African broadband markets are believed to have huge growth potential.

In order to gain from these opportunities, companies first need to develop an infrastructure that can support high-speed data sharing and broadband Internet access.

Realizing this need for infrastructural development, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), a major African satellite network operator owned by the Nigerian Government, has deployed a new iDirect (News - Alert) Series 15100 Universal Satellite hub. The investment will allow the operator to roll out an Evolution-based service to capture the growing broadband market in Nigeria.

The iDirect Series 15100 Universal Satellite Hub has been designed to ensure connectivity for high-bandwidth applications regardless of where a user travels. Based on this evolution platform, NIGCOMSAT (News - Alert) will be able to offer affordable Internet service to the military, government, education and enterprise markets across Nigeria and the West African sub region for a range of applications and end users.

The iDirect Evolution platform will allow the operator to enhance NIGCOMSAT's existing VSAT solutions and let it pursue new opportunities in the enterprise and education markets, a news release revealed.

iDirect's seamless integration with fiber networks will allow NIGCOMSAT to deliver broadband connectivity to remote communities, ensuring that rural users gain the economic and social benefits of broadband access.

Being a scalable solution, iDirect's Evolution platform will allow NIGCOMSAT to keep pace with rapid broadband growth in Nigeria.

Leveraging iDirect's iDX 3.0 software, NIGCOMSAT will be able to switch between TDMA and SCPC Return channels to adjust service levels based on dynamic applications and changing traffic patterns.

“We believe that high-speed Internet has the potential to transform the Nigerian economy, hence our partnership with iDirect to deploy a satellite network that affordably

supports increasing broadband penetration in the region,” said Ahmed-Rufai, managing director and chief executive at NIGCOMSAT T. “iDirect's solutions enable us to offer a broadband service that meets the diverse requirements of multiple end users, and can grow to meet future connectivity challenges.”

Recently OmniAccess, one of the leading providers of communications to super- and mega-yacht owners, has deployed a new iDirect Series 15100 Universal Satellite Hub to expand its coverage area for customers.

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