Shittu wants more satellites for broadband penetration

The Minister for Communications, Adebayo Shittu , has canvassed for more communications satellites to enable NigComSat-1R better serve Nigeria in the areas of telecommunications services and broadband penetration. Mr Shittu stated this at the National Assembly (House of Representative) special sectoral debate on the diversification of the Nigerian economy, according to a statement issued by […]

The Minister for Communications, Adebayo Shittu , has canvassed for more communications satellites to enable NigComSat-1R better serve Nigeria in the areas of telecommunications services and broadband penetration.
Mr Shittu stated this at the National Assembly (House of Representative) special sectoral debate on the diversification of the Nigerian economy, according to a statement issued by the Nigerian Communication Satellites Limited (NIGCOMSAT) yesterday.
The minister noted with concern that NIGCOMSAT Ltd which presently operates only one satellite (NigComSat-1R) needs to improve its fleet to enhance customer confidence and enable the company effectively compete in this strategic sector, the statement signed by Stephen Kwande, NIGCOMSAT’s head of media relations, said.
The National Assembly debate which was to showcase the impact of all ministries on the Nigerian economy was informed by the Minister of Communications that NIGCOMSAT Ltd patronage d by ministries and agencies of government is yet to improve significantly as would be desired because it operates a lone satellite as these MDAs utilise foreign satellites at huge cost to the country.
He further stated that Nigerians and business interests in the country patronise foreign satellite operators who own multiple satellites in the orbit.