Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director and chief executive officer of NIGCOMSAT.

The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) and Dimension Data, have teamed up and sealed a one year internet service agreement

The companies announced the agreement in a statement yesterday, saying under the partnership agreement, NIGCOMSAT Ltd will provide Dimension Data with internet service on the NigComSat-1R network platform for one year, utilising the Ku dedicated band.

The deal comes at a time there is increased activity within Africa’s satellite sector as companies are making various investments in the sector.

Last month, Namibia embarked on a major space port project. Eos Capital, the managers of the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund, were given permission to start the Namibia Space Port project.

Q-KON Namibia will spearhead this project, which will be a big step forward for the country's satellite communications capabilities.

A few weeks ago, Liquid Intelligent Technologies signed a distribution partnership arrangement with Eutelsat Group that will make enterprise-grade LEO services available in Africa.

This collaboration follows similar agreements between SEACOM, which recently launched the LEO satellite service, and Avanti Communications.

Analysts believe the new deals show that satellites will play an increasingly important role in Africa's future connectivity architecture.

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, NIGCOMSAT's managing director and CEO, and Olugbenga Olabiyi, Dimension Data's country director, signed a working agreement in Nigeria yesterday.

Egerton-Idehen, commented: “We have successfully completed a pilot scheme with Dimension Data and signed a Master Service Agreement.

“We have showcased our efforts to reposition NIGCOMSAT, ensuring excellent service delivery, reliable infrastructure, and continuous technological advancement.

“We are now competing effectively in the global satellite market, and while we may have entered the market later, we are here for business and ready to take our rightful position.”

For Olabiyi, through customer engagement and outstanding technology infrastructure, Dimension Data aims to enhance productivity and business growth.