Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), the operator of Nigeria’s communications satellite systems, has initiated the process of replacing its NIGCOMSAT-1R communications satellite and is reaching out to potential investors and partners globally for support.
The NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite, which has been operational since 2011, is slated to reach the end of its service life in 2026.
Originally launched on December 19, 2011, as a replacement for the unsuccessful NIGCOMSAT-1, the satellite was intended for applications such as broadcasting, internet services, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, and national security.
As NIGCOMSAT plans for the launch of NIGCOMSAT 2 and 3, it recently issued a call for expressions of interest in the Global Satellite Operators’ Association newsletter. Additionally, NIGCOMSAT has announced its focus on upgrades and a partnership with South African IT services company Dimension Data, through which NIGCOMSAT will provide internet services via its NIGCOMSAT-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial period of one year.