Communication Gaps: Experts See Nigcomsat Broadband Satellite As Panacea

Stakeholders in the in the information and communications technology sector (ICT) have called for adequate use of broadband satellite to bridge the communication gaps left by the inadequacy of terrestrial fibre coverage nationwide.

Speaking at the annual stakeholders’ forum organised by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (Nigcomsat) in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday, they said it has become necessary to use satellite broadband from Nigcomsat to support terrestrial fibre deployment especially now that fifth generation (5G) mobile technology will take years to cover every location.

The chairman of the Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo speaking during  the panel sessions said “5G technology though faster than 4G, there is still lots of blind spots where there are no coverage. This is where satellite comes in.

“There are areas where there can’t be terrestrial coverage due to topology and satellite needs to be used to bridge the communication gaps. There was a perid when telecom operators had their base stations shutdown, the operators had to rely on satellite to provide communication services to subscribers,” he said.

Engr. Joseph Anagonye, head, spectrum management department, federal ministry of communication; Prince Osuagwu, a media practitioner and Engr. Adeola Ogundele, technical director, Crystalfix Nigeria Ltd all called for deeper collaboration between Nigcomsat and government agencies as well as private sector players especially in the ICT sector to invest in use of satellite, ensure adequate coverage instead of patronizing foreign satellite providers whose services are very expensive.

Brigadier General Bode Ojutaye, director of ICT, Army Signals, Nigerian Army and Commodore Johnson Addewoyin, communication specialist, Nigerian Navy noted that in the military, whether in the air, land and sea, communication is key to achieving command and control of the forces.

They said the military relies significantly on the satellite services provided by Nigcomsat especially in the theatre of operations in the northeast. “Nigcomsat has been very supportive with its satellite services which is aiding the military in curbing insecurity. Other telecom operators have also been helpful,” Ojutaye added.

Joining the call for use of Nigcomsat, Engr. Steven Moses, executive director, engineering team, Nigerian Television Authority, urged electronic broadcasting stations to patronize Nigcomsat whose services NTA utilizes in broadcasting its programmes globally, noting that Nigcomsat quality is exceptional.

Earlier in her welcome address, managing director, Nigcomsat Ltd, Abimbola Alale extolled the working relationship between the agency and its stakeholders, saying the forum was designed to foster the exchange of ideas, deepen working relationship and build on areas that need to be improved upon, all with a view to enhancing service delivery.

“As players within the industry, we are bound by common goals and interests. We must therefore view the stakeholders’ meeting as critical to the growth of the industry. In the course of our discussions, we will delve into 5G Technology and Satellite Communication. We will also discuss Satellite Communication as a panacea for Nigeria’s security challenges.

“I believe our deliberation here today will stimulate ideas that will metamorphose into a strategic framework for a more robust industry. As an organisation, we value you, our stakeholders. We value your inputs, your patronage and your presence here today,” said while declaring the forum open on behalf of the Hon Minster of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami).