Intelsat Launches New Satellite Cellular Backhaul Service in Nigeria: A Game Changer for Connectivity in Africa

In a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity across Nigeria and the broader African continent, satellite operator Intelsat has unveiled its new satellite cellular backhaul service platform. This innovative service is strategically located at the open access data center operated by the WIOCC group in Lagos, Nigeria. This launch marks a pivotal milestone in Intelsat’s ongoing efforts to bolster Africa’s connectivity infrastructure, particularly in regions where traditional network expansion has faced challenges.

Expanding Network Capabilities

Intelsat’s new CellBackhaul Nigeria service is designed to support mobile network operators (MNOs) and Internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria and throughout West Africa. By leveraging Intelsat’s advanced satellite and terrestrial network, the service aims to facilitate the expansion of mobile coverage and enhance network capabilities across the region.

Hans Geldenhuys, Intelsat’s director for Africa, emphasized the innovative nature of the Managed CellBackhaul Network, which integrates the strengths of both geostationary (GEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This combination allows customers to offer tailored network applications, thereby addressing the unique needs of the African market. Geldenhuys noted that this initiative represents Intelsat’s first foray into Nigeria and West Africa, although similar CellBackhaul applications are already operational in Central and Southern Africa.

The Importance of Cellular Backhaul in Africa

Cellular backhaul is a critical component in connecting both fixed and mobile sites for MNOs, addressing the pressing coverage and capacity needs in the region. Fixed sites can include towers, buildings, or monopoles, while mobile sites, such as "cells on wheels," provide temporary coverage or serve as backups during emergencies.

The flexibility of cellular backhaul services is particularly beneficial in areas where fiber installation is either too slow or prohibitively expensive. Intelsat’s managed cellular backhaul operates on a shared infrastructure model, allowing multiple MNOs to connect their base stations or sites to their network core. This shared approach significantly improves capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) management, which is especially crucial given the economic pressures currently faced by MNOs.

While Geldenhuys did not disclose specific mobile operators or ISPs that will utilize the new backhaul service, he confirmed that Intelsat is actively engaged in discussions with major operators across the region. The platform’s location in Nigeria provides a comprehensive West African footprint through satellite coverage, enabling seamless connectivity between Nigeria and neighboring operators.

Supporting Diverse Network Technologies

Intelsat’s CellBackhaul service is versatile, supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. The fully hosted teleport solution is designed to accelerate the time to market for cellular networks, allowing operators to deploy services more rapidly. To facilitate this, Intelsat has streamlined its pricing structure with per-site, pay-as-you-grow plans. Additionally, a services management portal has been developed to provide customers with visibility into key network metrics, enhancing planning and cost management.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite advancements in connectivity, sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with significant usage and coverage gaps. According to GSMA data, the region has the widest gaps in mobile usage (59%) and coverage (15%). Alarmingly, nearly half of the 400 million people lacking mobile broadband coverage globally reside in sub-Saharan Africa.

Intelsat recognizes that one of the primary challenges in closing this gap, particularly in rural areas, is the high cost and slow pace of traditional infrastructure deployment methods. These factors often deter investment in expanding mobile networks.

"Satellite technology is critical to closing the digital divide," stated Rhys Morgan, Intelsat’s regional VP for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He emphasized that satellite backhaul is often the most viable option for providing rapid, reliable, and cost-effective connectivity solutions to unconnected populations in rural and remote locations.

Conclusion

The launch of Intelsat’s satellite cellular backhaul service in Nigeria represents a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity across West Africa. By leveraging advanced satellite technology and a shared infrastructure model, Intelsat aims to support MNOs and ISPs in expanding their networks and improving mobile coverage. As the company continues to explore additional markets for future expansion, its efforts will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more people in Africa have access to reliable connectivity.

In a region where traditional infrastructure deployment can be slow and costly, Intelsat’s innovative solutions may well be the key to unlocking the full potential of mobile connectivity in Africa.