Satellite Networks

Nigeria plans to launch new satellites to improve coverage

Nigeria plans to launch new satellites to improve coverage

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has reportedly approved the acquisition and deployment of two new high-throughput communication satellites.

The FEC says the aim of the new satellites is to expand broadband coverage and strengthen critical communications services in Nigeria.

The satellites, which will be deployed by the state-owned enterprise Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), are be called NigComSat-2a and NigComSat-2B.

They are the third and fourth satellites to be launched by NigComSat. NigComSat-1, which launched in 2007, is no longer functioning. NigComSat-1R launched in 2011 and remains operational but is expected to run out of fuel in 2028.

According to the agency in a statement this weekend, the satellites will complement terrestrial broadband networks by providing wider coverage in areas where conventional infrastructure may be difficult or costly to deploy. In particular, the satellites are expected to extend connectivity to underserved, unserved and hard-to-reach communities.

The additional satellite capacity is also expected to support digital services in education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, broadcasting, enterprise and government, while improving the resilience of communications infrastructure.

Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper says that with FEC approval secured, the next stage includes engagement with technology partners, contract finalisation, technical planning and other preparations for the manufacture, launch and eventual deployment of the satellites.

The satellites are to be delivered by Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The launches are expected to take place in two phases: the first is expected by the end of 2028 and the second in 2029 or 2030.



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