Is Intelsat transforming Nigeria's connectivity?

Intelsat, recognised as one of the world’s leading operators of integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has launched a new satellite cellular backhaul service platform at the Open Access Datacenter (WIOCC) in Lagos, Nigeria

This initiative represents a significant advancement in enhancing connectivity infrastructure throughout Nigeria and Africa.

Despite some progress, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face substantial gaps in usage and coverage, with figures standing at 59% and 15%, respectively. Nearly half of the 400 million individuals lacking mobile broadband coverage globally reside in this region. A major hurdle in bridging this divide, particularly in rural areas, is the high costs and slow implementation of traditional infrastructure expansion methods, which often discourage investment due to low returns.

The Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria service offers a fully managed cellular backhaul solution, aimed at assisting mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria and West Africa. This service will help address the challenges of expanding mobile coverage in the area, facilitating swift and economical network growth through Intelsat’s satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. The new solution for Nigeria will complement existing platforms in several other African nations, reaching millions across thousands of cell towers.

“This is a great day for Intelsat, Nigeria and West Africa, bringing new capabilities and solutions to the market. Satellite technology is critical to closing the digital divide. To connect unconnected populations in rural and remote locations, satellite backhaul is often the most viable option for a rapid, reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution,” said Rhys Morgan, RVP, EMEA, Intelsat.