The Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has partnered with Hotspot Network Limited to bring internet access to rural communities in Nigeria.

The CEO of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, shared this news over the weekend while discussing her recent activities.

She explained that NigComSat and Hotspot Network will use their combined strengths to provide internet connections to areas without access. NigComSat will offer satellite coverage for Hotspot Network sites as they expand.

Mrs. Egerton-Idehen noted that many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, still struggle with internet access. This partnership aims to deliver reliable and affordable internet to underserved communities nationwide.

Closing the Access Gap

According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), only about 40% of Nigerians have broadband internet access.

“The government aims to increase Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025 and cover at least 80% of the population, especially underserved and unserved areas, by the end of 2027,” she said.

“Our collaboration with Hotspot Network Limited will help us provide satellite coverage for their rural network expansion, reducing the percentage of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027,” she added.

Hotspot’s CEO, Morenikeji Aniye, expressed excitement about the partnership.

“We are excited to work with NIGCOMSAT. At Hotspot, connecting the unconnected is a key goal. By combining our skills and resources, we will bring reliable and affordable internet to rural communities, helping them to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services,” he said.

Project 774

Mrs. Egerton-Idehen also mentioned other government initiatives to improve connectivity across Nigeria, such as Project 774, which involves various agencies like Galaxy BackBone, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Since Project 774 began, NigComSat has been working with ICT commissioners in different states to address their connectivity needs.

Key Facts

NIGCOMSAT Ltd is a government-owned communication satellite service provider with coverage over African countries and parts of Europe and Asia.

The rural connectivity project by NigComSat, in partnership with the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), targets many rural communities in Nigeria using the NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.

The joint project between NigComSat and Hotspot will start immediately, with plans to begin the first phase in selected rural areas within the next six months.