NIGCOMSAT to Launch 2 Satellites to Replace NigComSat 1-R Satellite

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), will launch two new satellites, NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 in 2023 and 2025 respectively to replace the current NigComSat 1-R, which is expected to expire in 2026, according to Dr. Abimbola Alale, managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT.

Alale stated this at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, organised recently by NIGCOMSAT.

The forum, with the theme: ‘NIGCOMSAT Ltd, The Present And The Future’, which was hosted by Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, was attended by industry stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the military.

NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3, when launched as scheduled, will replace NigComSat 1-R, which was launched in 2011.

NigComSat 1-R, which has a life span of 15 years, is expected to expire in 2026, hence the need for a replacement.

Alale, in her opening remarks, said: “l am pleased to inform stakeholders of our desire to acquire more satellites between now and 2025 with the NigComSat-2 (Hight Throughput Satellite) due for launch in 2023 while NigComSat-3 will be launched in 2025.

This will not only inspire confidence in our customers and channel partners but will also place NIGCOMSAT Ltd in the front line of communication satellite operators with fleet of satellites in the orbit.”

Alma Okpalefe, legal adviser and company secretary of NIGCOMSAT, said the planned launch of the two satellites in 2023 and 2025, would help NIGCOMSAT meet up with its mandate to commercialise satellite resources in the country, and provide quality and cheap satellite services to Nigerians.

According to Okpalefe, the first satellite, NigComSat-1, was launched in 2006, but was later de-orbited, when it failed after it was launched. She further explained that the failure of NigComSat-1led to the relaunch of the satellite in 2011 as a replacement of NigComSat-1, which was called NigComSat 1-R.

Alale called on Nigerians to expect better quality of satellite services and ubiquitous broadband services, when the two satellites are eventually lainched in 2023 and 2025.

“NIGCOMSAT, in its bid to achieve its ambition to be the leading satellite communication solutions provider in Nigeria and Africa, obtained approval early 2020 to form two subsidiary

companies (SUBCOs) the Satellite Infrastructure Company SIC to provide satellite upstream services such as Transponder leasing, and In-Orbit-(IOT) services, Carrier Spectrum Management (CSM) services, among other, and the Satellite Broadcasting and Broadband Company (SBBC) to provide satellite downstream services such as broadband internet services,Broadcasting (DTH) services, among others.

“The SUBCOs were formed to carryout commercial businesses on behalf of NIGCOMSAT with strategic partners and expand its business operations.

NIGCOMSAT realises the need to strategically position its subsidiaries for potential opportunities and risks, and has put in place operational structures to facilitate its business aspirations,” Alale said.

According to her, Pantami gave NIGCOMDAT a set of KPIs that were linked to the development of a strategic document, which identifies the key market opportunities and risks in the Nigerian market as well as to define the SUBCO’s operational framework.

Alale said based on the task given it, the Special Project Office of NIGCOMSAT Ltd has successfully deployed modest and ubiquitous services to the health sector by providing an e-platform for automation of work process at National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offices across the country.

“Also last year, NIGCOMSAT Ltd provided satellite connectivity services via NigComSat-1R for the live broadcast of the virtual commissioning of the Ajaokuta, Kaduna and Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline by President Muhammadu Buhari. In September 2020, NIGCOMSAT collaborated with Thales Alenia Space of France, and Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), to provide a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) using NigComSat-1R Navigational services for the first time over Africa and Indian Ocean. The demonstration of real SBAS flight in Lome (Togo) using fixed wing Aircraft and Duoala (Cameroun), using Rotor Aircraft. Demonstration was also done in Brazzaville (Congo),” Alale said.

She explained that the stakeholders’ forum was part of efforts to rub minds with Nigerians on areas they may need the services of NIGCOMSAT, in line with its core mandate and core values, adding that NIGCOMSAT has acquired the latest DIALOG HUB with 5IF for the satellite broadband Ka services as well as building a stronger relationship with channel partners, in order to serve Nigerians better.

Stakeholders and the military, who were present at the forum, commencded NIGCOMSAT for its services to organisatons, government institutions and the general public.