Satellite

NIGCOMSAT and INFRATEL AFRICA boost rural connectivity

NIGCOMSAT partners with INFRATEL AFRICA to enhance rural connectivity and digital economy in Nigeria using satellite tech. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd continues to assert its leadership as a provider of satellite communications infrastructure by securing a new contract with INFRATEL AFRICA, a major telecom company engaged in a rural infrastructure backhaul project

This project will transition 100 locations to the NigComSat-1R Ka band hub platform, significantly enhancing rural connectivity and furthering the digital economy goals of the current administration.

Enhancing digital inclusion

The NigComSat-1R satellite will support businesses by expanding telecom networks and improving connectivity solutions. Managing director NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, remarked, “The collaboration with INFRATEL AFRICA is a welcome development as NIGCOMSAT Ltd is now placed to claim its rightful position in the industry.”

"And together we are making significant progress in delivering services in the areas of Transponder lease, broadband internet, broadcast service and other turnkey solutions,’” Egerton-Idehen added at the signing of the agreement between the two companies.

The managing director noted that all the people she is currently working with, are all internal staff, which shows the level of competencies on ground. She assured INFRATEL AFRICA that NIGCOMSAT Ltd in recent time upgraded its infrastructure to meet the world standard for service delivery.

INFRATEL AFRICA is connecting unserved and underserved communities to the global digital landscape, promoting inclusivity and digital equality by leveraging its infrastructure, expertise, and technology as a leading telecommunication infrastructure service provider in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This, among other goals, is achieved by providing technology solutions to drive transformational services such as Agency Banking, Telemedicine, e-learning, e-government and Solar based cold rooms within the rural communities, utilising strategic alliances with technical partners to deliver value to clients and enhance communication across Africa, bridging gaps regardless of social class or location.

Eutelsat LEO satellites earn platinum SSR rating

Eutelsat's first LEO satellite generation earns platinum SSR rating, underscoring its commitment to sustainable space operations. (Image source: Eutelsat Group)

Eutelsat Group has announced that its first generation of over 600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites has earned a platinum rating in the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR), highlighting the company's strong commitment to responsible space usage

Initially conceived at the World Economic Forum (WEF), the SSR aims to mitigate space debris creation, minimise satellite collision risks, and ensure safe and sustainable space operations.

An international consortium, including experts from the European Space Agency, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BryceTech, and the University of Texas at Austin, developed the rating methodology. The SSR is implemented by eSpace – EPFL Space Center, which aims to recognise and encourage sustainable practices in the space industry.

The SSR evaluates six modules: Mission Index (impact of spacecraft on operational risk), Collision Avoidance Capabilities, Data Sharing, Detectability, Identification and Trackability, Application of Design and Operation Standards, and the use of future External Services.

Eutelsat Group surpassed the 80% threshold to achieve the highest-level platinum rating, demonstrating the Group’s dedication to sustainable design and operation of its satellite constellation.

"With our increased presence in both LEO and geostationary orbit (GEO), we remain committed to the sustainable and responsible use of space” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat Group. “We are honoured to receive SSR’s recognition and congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to sustainable and safe operations."