Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), which owns and operates Nigeria’s communications satellite systems, has begun the process of replacing its NIGCOMSAT-1R communications satellite. It is reportedly seeking support from investors and collaborators worldwide to do this.
NIGCOMSAT-1R’s operational lifespan began in 2011 and is set to conclude in 2026. The original contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite was signed on 24 March 2009, by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Successfully launched on 19 December 2011, it was a replacement for the failed NIGCOMSAT-1 which was launched on 13 May 2007.
The aim was for the satellite to be used for communications, including broadcasting, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security. It is not clear how successful this aim has been over the past 13 of the 15 years of the satellite’s lifespan. Nevertheless Nigeria now plans to launch NIGCOMSAT 2 and 3 and a call for expression of interest has been published in the Global Satellite Operators' Association newsletter.
According to the Tech In Africa news service, NIGCOMSAT is currently focusing on upgrades and recently announced a partnership with South African IT services company Dimension Data through which NIGCOMSAT will provide internet services via its NIGCOMSAT-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial period of one year.
