Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has entered a new partnership with Hotspot Network Limited aimed at expanding internet access to rural communities across Nigeria.
Speaking over the weekend, NigComSat’s CEO, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, announced the collaboration, emphasizing that both companies would combine their strengths to roll out connectivity services in areas currently lacking internet coverage. NigComSat will supply satellite transmission services for Hotspot’s network sites as the company moves forward with its rural expansion.
Egerton-Idehen highlighted that internet accessibility remains limited in many parts of Nigeria, especially in rural regions. Through this partnership, the goal is to deliver dependable and affordable internet access to these underserved areas.
According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as of 2023, only around 40% of Nigerians have broadband access. The federal government is targeting a broadband penetration rate of 70% by the end of 2025 under the National Broadband Plan, aiming to cover at least 80% of the population—including underserved and unserved communities—by 2027.
“Our work with Hotspot Network Limited directly supports this target,” Egerton-Idehen said. “By providing satellite coverage to their rural networks, we hope to reduce the percentage of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to under 20% by 2027.”
Hotspot’s CEO, Morenikeji Aniye, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are proud to join forces with NigComSat. Connecting Nigeria’s unconnected population is central to our mission, and by pooling resources, we can offer reliable and affordable internet services that allow rural communities to engage fully in the digital economy.”
In addition to this partnership, Egerton-Idehen mentioned the government’s broader efforts to enhance nationwide connectivity through initiatives like Project 774. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, alongside agencies such as Galaxy Backbone, USPF, and NITDA, Project 774 focuses on expanding digital infrastructure across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
She also noted that NigComSat has been actively collaborating with ICT commissioners across various states to help address local connectivity challenges and support these broader national efforts.
