NIGCOMSAT partners iDirect for broadband internet access

16th July, 2012

After a successful launch of NigComSat 1R on December 19, 2011 and In Orbit Delivery (IOD) on March 19, 2012, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) at the weekend announced the deployment of iDirect universal satellite hub evolution platform to boost the growing broadband market needs in Africa.
A joint statement by iDirect Regional Vice President, Europe, Mr. Majdi Atout and NIGCOMSAT Chief Executive Engr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai said the iDirect is “to deploy an evolution-based service to boost the growing broadband market in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

The statement said “the iDirect Evolution platform will enhance NIGCOMSAT’s existing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solutions for military and government customers, while enabling the company to pursue new opportunities in the enterprise and education markets”.

iDirect, the Herndon, Virginia-based United States of America (USA) Company is a global leader in satellite-based Internet Protocol (IP) communication technology company. It is a subsidiary of VT Systems of USA.

The deployment of the iDirect universal satellite hub will enable NIGCOMSAT, Africa’s Premier Satellite Operator, to offer affordable internet services to the military, government, education, enterprise markets among others.
The statement quoted Ahmed-Rufai as saying that “We believe that high-speed internet has the potential to transform the Nigerian economy, hence our partnership with iDirect to deploy a satellite network that affordably supports increasing broadband penetration in the region”. He added that “iDirect’s solutions enable us to offer a broadband service that meets the diverse requirement of multiple end users, and can grow to meet further connectivity challenges.”

Regional Vice President for iDirect in Europe, Mr. Majdi Atout on his part said “there is tremendous potential for growth in Africa, but much of that potential hinges on developing an infrastructure that can support high-speed data sharing and broadband internet access.”

He explained that “the iDirect platform offers NIGCOMSAT a high-performing and flexible solution that supports the company’s goal of building a more open and connected Africa”.
The flexibility of the iDirect Evolution platform enables NIGCOMSAT to deliver affordable and easily deployable internet service across Nigeria and West African sub-region for a range of applications and end users. Additionally, iDirect’s seamless integration with fiber networks allows NIGCOMSAT to deliver broadband connectivity to remote communities, ensuring that rural users gain the economic and social benefits of broadband access.

iDirect’s Evolution platform provides NIGCOMSAT with a scalable platform that can keep pace with rapid broadband growth in Nigeria. Furthermore, NIGCOMSAT will take advantage of the performance and efficiencies of iDirect’s iDX3.0 software, which allows the company to switch between TDMA and SCPC Return channels to adjust service levels based on dynamic applications and changing traffic patterns.