Nigeria to train 600 youth in VSAT facilities to increase broadband penetration rate
March 24th 2021
The demand for broadband connectivity has exploded in Nigeria since 2020. However, fiber optic alone cannot meet it efficiently, particularly in rural areas. The government, which wants to satisfy everyone, will target technologies according to the market.
As part of its efforts to deepen broadband penetration in the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria will train 600 young people to install VSAT equipment. Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Ali Pantami revealed it on Monday, March 22 in Abuja, during the official launching ceremony of the national policy on basic skills for the installation of the VSAT developed by the State.
“ Closing the capacity gap in the provision of satellite services is now seen as an urgent imperative to improve the quality of life in communities, especially in remote and rural areas where most of the population resides. This program will provide the specialized skills required ”to achieve this goal, explained Isa Ali Pantami.
The first phase of the training will take place in two states in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones. The States of Kano and Kebbi for the North-West; Gombe and Bauchi for the North-East; Niger and Plateau for the Center-North; Ekiti and Lagos for the South-West; Abia and Anambra for the South East; Rivers and Akwa for the South-South.
Since the global health crisis, the demand for connectivity has increased in Nigeria. The government, which is aware of the high cost and the relatively long time to deploy fiber optic in rural areas, sees VSAT as a faster and cheaper means.
With young people trained in VSAT facilities, the government will build a skilled workforce that will help more people access the signal from the NigComSat-1R satellite. Space equipment will be combined with other telecoms infrastructures to increase the country’s chances of success in achieving a broadband penetration rate of 70% by 2025.
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