NIGCOMSAT to begin cheap satellite internet with PortaBilling

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) said it will soon begin to deliver affordable satellite connectivity solutions by establishing an eco-system of Virtual Internet Service Providers (VISPs). A statement said they will operate using the digital BSS (Business Support System) PortaBilling, provided by PortaOne, and deliver the service to key markets – such as government, […]

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) said it will soon begin to deliver affordable satellite connectivity solutions by establishing an eco-system of Virtual Internet Service Providers (VISPs).

A statement said they will operate using the digital BSS (Business Support System) PortaBilling, provided by PortaOne, and deliver the service to key markets – such as government, defense, maritime, enterprise.

VISPs will rent data channels from the NIGCOMSAT orbiting satellite and then rely on the PortaBilling self-care portal to manage their tariff plans and subscribers.

PortaBilling will carry out all service monetization like service activation, charging, invoicing and payment collection. So a VISP does not need to purchase or implement any infrastructure, and the only action required on the VISP side is to install the customers’ equipment.

It noted that such low entry barrier enables nearly any local company such as system integrator, utility or even a supermarket chain to become an ISP.

It will also have major effects in several key markets, in particular for Small Office or Home Office (SOHO) these customers will benefit from better satellite connectivity.

With the deployment of PortaBilling, the Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Dr Abimbola Alale, said it will address the common challenges that Internet Service Providers in Nigeria face at the moment.