Intelsat, an operator of integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has unveiled a new satellite cellular backhaul service platform located at the Open Access Data Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, citing this as a significant milestone in its efforts to improve Nigeria's and Africa's connectivity infrastructures.

Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria, the business said, is a fully managed cellular backhaul service that would serve mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers in Nigeria and West Africa.

This, according to Intelsat, will assist MNOs in overcoming problems related to expanding mobile coverage in the region, allowing for speedy and cost-effective network expansion via its satellite and terrestrial networks.

It added: “The new Nigeria solution will be added to the existing platforms in several other African countries delivering services to millions of people across thousands of cell towers.”

The moves as almost half of the 400 million people who lack mobile broadband coverage worldwide live in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Intelsat.

“A major challenge in closing this gap, especially in rural areas, is that expanding mobile networks is often slowed by the high cost and slow pace of traditional infrastructure deployment methods and deterred by low returns on investment,” Intelsat said.

“This is a great day for Intelsat, Nigeria and West Africa, bringing new capabilities and solutions to the market. Satellite technology is critical to closing the digital divide. To connect unconnected populations in rural and remote locations, satellite backhaul is often the most viable option for a rapid, reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution,” said Rhys Morgan, RVP, EMEA, Intelsat.