The Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited says that they want to try to overcome the lack of digital resources within the country. They plan to open 10 telecentres per state that will be serviced by satellite, focusing on the people in rural areas and ensuring that they have access to the internet.
This will be done in partnership with the United Nation Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Ahmed-Rufai, NigComSat Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer said that government’s intentions was to reduce poverty with the help of the skilled people at NigComSat, they also aim to create skills and empower people through knowledge.
The telecentres will encourage electronic learning and by using the internet they will be able to gain knowledge which will lead to skills. The primary purpose of the satellite is to control local content.
Ahmed said that NigComSat has made efforts to connect several government agencies to the satellite grid; responses have however been very low so NigComSat have decided to enlist the support of multilateral organizations to support the e-learning program.
It is said that NigComSat will create digital opportunities, fight poverty by creating job opportunities. Proper Internet access is urgently needed to be able to create a proper learning environment. Ahmed states that telephone penetration has helped, but because voice communications is used mostly for social interaction, no serious business can be done over the phone.
NigComSat needs to grow broadband so that it is available, affordable, and easily accessible in Nigeria like in the rest of the world. They hope to deploy these services to all 38 countries that NigComSat covers.
By IT News Africa staff reporter
