Telecom
Enhancing Internet Penetration in Nigeria Using KA-Band Broadband Satellites

By Andrew Aroh
For a start, what is the classical definition of true broadband. Broadband is generally triple play data, voice and video access link, especially an internet access link, usually defined in terms of the minimum amount of bandwidth to which the enduser has access, and whose characteristics facilitate the use of advanced telecommunications applications and services.
Some definitions fix broadband access threshold at 1.5Mbps (T-1) speed in North America and at 2Mbps (E-1) speed in Europe, including Nigeria.
There are two important questions to address:
- Why is it that the high penetration of GSM in Africa and Nigeria in particular the issue of digital divide is still prevalent?
- How can Africa and Nigeria in particular secure sustainable universal access but affordably?
Recall that according to the broadband commission for digital development, the issue of Universal service for broadband, which is vitally important in ensuring that citizens in remote and rural areas can have access even though they live outside more profitable urban areas.
This is important because in this age of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). It is crucial to reach the rural and remote areas as well or Nigeria as a whole will fall further behind and the digital divide between “the haves and the have not” will remain divergent.
This underscores the New Roles for the Space & Satellite industry on Digital Economy, especially financial services now emphasized by the United Nations (UN) through the ITU-T.
So, is it not time for Nigeria to make a Legislation enabling HOME BUILDERS to include INTERNET CONNECTIVITY as part of the bargain for Social and Economic Welfare?
Government of Nigeria has included broadband as part of universal services obligations, regarding access to the internet as a utility and an essential tool for social and Economic Welfare. We recall that Nigeria planned big for the ITU Telecoms World 2016. Among the topics for the forum was:
New approaches to connectivity; re-imaging the satellite industry: How demand for always-on connectivity is leading to innovative connectivity solutions, new players and new markets for the satellite industry.
The topic underscores the way broadband is defined classically by ITU telecommunications monitory process (as distinct by ICT professionals) which usefully emphasize:
- Broadband’s always-on (dedicated access) character
- The user ability to upgrade her or his access bandwidth as the need arises
- The consideration that the local link be neither a limiting factor in deploying existing applications or a bottleneck in encouraging new ones.
These factors justifies the use of the phrase “Anywhere, Anytime” for true broadband connectivity and access.
- True Broadband performance shows up with the satellites that use Ka-band (20-30GHz) for satellite to-and-from ground transmission.
- The higher frequency of Ka-band system allows easy implementation of satellite spot beams, which when combined with channelized switching provides a capacity of a single Ka-band that can easily exceed that of Ku-band satellite by a factor of four or more.
With such systems, Ka-band allows satellites to provide access-oriented circuits to an entire continent at prices comparable to terrestrial delivery in cities. This will find broad residential applications where access services are more price sensitive.
However, flexibility defines the coming generation of broadband satellites. This is because by the long life and broad geographic scope, a satellite must be able to shift capacity among beams through onboard processing and space switching.
In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, SSPI NIGERIA has identified growth in the following area:
- Education: Online teaching via satellite/distance learning via satellite
- Management: Video conferencing for management meetings
- Direct-To-Home Broadband Internet Access/Connectivity via Satellite.
The above applications have become very essential and are in high demand in Nigeria.
Note that the above applications demands: Two-way Satellite Internet access service with broadband consumer VSAT/other innovative products in personal connectivity, M2M and GLOBAL BROADBAND.
We are looking at the Satellite Networking Technology Solutions and Services that have the following features:
- A modern, technological product that provides subscribers with access to high-speed internet even in regions where the use of alternative access methods to the network are difficult
- High-quality and affordable broadband access to the internet
- Low-cost residential kits
- Supports automatic services activation-indoor or outdoor
- Where broadband consumer or professional VSAT is required:
- It is an innovative VSAT-in-a-Box
- Availability of the required capacity is guaranteed
- Reliability, Availability, & Flexibility of installation receiving equipment
- Broadband consumer VSAT terminal which can be self-installed.
- All outdoor solution, which further simplifies self-install, maintenance and easy mounting or placement.
Because of the issue of rain fade, the African region has seen a predominant of C-band satellites. However, the development of smart adaptive technologies on ka-band transmission is winning.
Although few African satellite operators are beginning to ramp up their strategies in this area, more African region operators will need to develop services in ka-band.
Satellite broadband via ka-band remains a key issue for a number of operators. In fact many global satellite operators are already playing a key role in satellite delivered broadband applications.
From corporate private networks to consumer connectivity, this is one business segment that remains strong on the industry’s revenue growth plans.
Major broadband service providers are ready to offer commercial internet services via satellite and ka-band satellites will be vital to their success.
I do think ka-band satellite will do certain things very well.
- Ka-band satellites are by nature very high-capacity.
- They have much more capacity per dollar of capital investment than any other satellite.
- It is very well suited for unicast applications were each user is doing something different and very cost-effective for that i.e. low-cost broadband service offering to consumers.
- It is a mass market and that branding could be the catalyst for its service success.
- The market opportunity in remote and rural areas is considerable
- Ka-band has better economics than Ku-band and C-band.
The order of magnitude of improvement in economics is what is necessary to compete with fiber or terrestrial services. You couple that with standardized low-cost consumer equipment and all of sudden you have a pretty compelling offering.
- What are major challenges:
- Negative perception in the marketplace of broadband offering i.e. lack of awareness partly because of price and partly because there is not enough capacity available today for the existing providers to get super aggressive from a market perspective.
- Learning lessons from the past i.e. becoming more realistically cautious with incremental implementation approach for provision of satellite – based two-way broadband.
- The cost factor. Costs need to come down. We need achievable low price point. With the advent of one or two operators launching major initiative requiring large scale ka-band CPE and GMPCS production, this should effectively improve.
- Encouraging a healthy growth driver:
Satellite broadband is certainly an important growth driver for major satellite operators. However, a healthy enterprise services growth for the next few years predates mass market of satellite broadband. To sustain this growth, major operators need to install broadband two-way hubs covering a large part of their satellite fleet connectivity around the world.
- Doing satellite business to succeed in Nigeria:
Experience has shown that the business people who succeed in Nigeria are those who have tangible prospects, not those with high flying business plans. “Do not think about what satellites can do, and then look for customers. Instead, Look for people with communications issues, and ask how satellites can help!!”. Satellites can help Nigerians solve the problem of internet connectivity.
The key desirability of any good technology are:
- Allows customers to generate new revenue
- Enhance network performance
- Reduce operating cost
Today, ka-band has crossed the chasm from Risk to mainsteam; the ka-band evolution is not only underway in the space segment but also on the ground as manufacturers and developers race to produce technology that fully leverage the high performance bandwidth.
The ka-band service means one is always connected. So what makes an ISP better than others?
- Efficient and reliable service.
- Internet speed, reasonable and competitive pricing and packages to choose from
- Mobility and high uptime.
On mobility, the customers need to have:
- The connectivity for browsing within coverage areas
- Seamless roaming
- Developing the satellite broadband business for critical mass
Even the uptake of terrestrial cellular phones are not closing Africa’s digital divide. This is because internet penetration is still low. African countries as a whole and Nigeria in particular have the terrain, geography, tradition, history and politics that requires internet penetration with interactive broadband applications through the use of global mobile personal communications by satellite (GMPCS) to truly drive and close the digital divide. Thus we need to facilitate rapid expansion of the use of GMPCS for internet applications and services using IP technologies.
Ka-band services are targeted to densely populated areas, which are real market for these services.
The challenge is really to get the critical mass of subscribers as broadband is becoming a mass market product. The dynamics seems to be in favour of satellite operators.
The satellite – based companies are part of a broader trend in the corporate sector in Nigeria. They want the best equipment available and they want to have it all tied together using the most reliable and highest quality satellite feeds in the region.
Industry officials and investors both are far sarvier about the technologies and business approaches today as a result of the difficulties of the past years.
A smarter industry combined with a better-developed user community for broadband could help satellite broadband operators make their marks in the months ahead in Nigeria.
In terms of deployment of ka-band satellites, the positive characteristics are:
- Use of smaller antennas
- Operate with higher power
- Operate in less congested frequency bands where you don’t have to share with terrestrial services.
- With satellite broadband via ka-band it is possible to have a series of smaller spotbeams, reuse the same frequencies and therefore have more capacity per satellite which if and only if, you use all the capacity results in a lower cost per subscriber.
As major service providers rolls out their services all eyes on the satellite industry will be on how quickly it can build a profitable business with prices comparable to terrestrial and fiber offerings. With lower cost of equipment, as well as broadband now being accepted medium, there really can be no excuse to profitable business. Rolled out broadband success could provide the impetus for other operators.
As broadband becomes mass market, the time may finally be right for ka-band satellites to become a key part of the equation for satellite operation within the African region and in particular Nigeria.
In the United State since 2001, satellite has been accepted as a viable medium for IP access by businesses, leading the rest down the path of satellite. Broadcasters started putting broadband overlays on their networks in 2002. Outside U.S.A. India and China are good broadband markets due to their changing regulatory regimes. We expect that in the next few months, satellite-based internet will transform into booming broadband business services. We expect the growth rate will pick up more than before because the cost of user terminal is dropping and demand for high-speed internet access is growing. What is quite clear, though, is that satellite communications have emerged from a relatively Limited niche technology to a mainstream service providing cost-effective IP-based broadband point – to – multipoint solutions.
In all, we must have in mind that the space & satellite industry has slowly, surely and with its usual lack of flair gone to the “next level” universally. We are olive branches with on-board processing transponders and switching technology that the UN commission for digital development has in mind when it reports that broadband will be and should be a basic name digital right. We have our own innovators. We have stars on the satellite field that are moving quickly in constellations (and without flair) having been crowned the queen of the future, enabling full 5G system which includes: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB); Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLCs); and Massive Machine type communications (mMTCs)
But in the final analysis, why is satellite an effective medium for Africa and Nigeria in particular?
- Can be rolled out easily without environmental disturbances and rapidly, and offer attractive costing
- Offer ubiquitous coverage meaning that no matter where you are on the continent or the earth you can have access to satellite communication
- Can be positioned to cover high and low density areas at cheaper cost
- With the advent of Ka-band, high density coverage and mass market with satellite technology is now growing fast.
Telecom
Anambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business

From Angela Nwanodu
Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-driven and business friendly environment.
The State Government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR reiterated the commitment at the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.
The event formed part of the nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), bringing federal reform champions face-to-face with state officials, private sector leaders, and the business community.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, welcomed the PEBEC team and stakeholders, describing the session as timely and essential.
He stressed that Anambra’s business reforms are deliberate and data-driven, echoing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s belief that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
Governor Soludo reaffirmed that although Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and leads the South East on ease of doing business, the state views reforms as an ongoing, measurable process grounded in technology, planning, and accountability.
Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, DG of PEBEC, in her goodwill remarks delivered via video, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformative partnership co-designed to help states implement global standards and create easier, more transparent business environments.
She stressed that while designing reforms matters, real impact comes from effectively implementing them, with states as the true engines of economic growth.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, in her opening remarks, emphasized that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, government reforms must be deliberate and responsive.
She noted that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has remained intentional about ensuring businesses face fewer obstacles and enjoy a competitive edge.
During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi commended Anambra’s reform champions for their consistent efforts in reporting, as well as the state government’s resolve which earned the state 7th place nationally and first in the South East in 2021 and 2023.
They encouraged Anambra to deepen its reforms ahead of the next ranking in December 2025, which will spotlight top-performing states and most improved states, alongside tailored recommendations for investors.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion and town hall meeting anchored by the PEBEC team, featuring members of the State Executive Council as panelists, including the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power and Water Resources; MD of ANSIPPA; and MD of ASBA.
During this session, panelists discussed how technology is central to Anambra’s reform agenda. They spotlighted initiatives like the ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System), which digitizes land processes; the Grievance Redress Mechanism that swiftly addresses investor concerns; the adoption of the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain to standardize official digital communications and strengthen trust in government services; and the ongoing expansion of fiber ducts to enable 5G connectivity, all reflecting the administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.
The conversation also highlighted Solution Lens, a civic engagement platform designed to deepen citizen participation and transparency by allowing residents to track and report on government projects across the state.
Together with strategic projects like road constructions which are deliberate efforts by Governor Soludo to inter- connect Anambra State for easy moving round in doing business.
These reforms aim to enhance transparency, and position Anambra as a smarter, investor-friendly state
As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, government and stakeholders reiterated their resolve to keep reforms measurable, digital-led, and investor-focused
With technology and intentional governance at its heart, Anambra State is strengthening its position as a modern hub where businesses can invest, scale, and thrive.
Telecom
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.
Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.
Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.
He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.
As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Telecom
Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.
The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.
During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.
Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”
Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.
“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”
Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”
To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.
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