Leveraging Nigerian Communications Satellite (Nigcomsat) For Broadband Penetration in Rural and Remote Areas of Nigeria Using Ka Band

• Author(s): Bello Surajudeen Adewale; Daniel Tayo Onare; Adigun Abimbola Olalekan
• Paper ID: 1718890
• Page: 1708-1740
• Published Date: 16-06-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 12 June-2026

Abstract

This study investigates the deployment of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT-1R) Ka-band payload to address broadband internet challenges in rural and remote regions in Nigeria. Despite the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) targeting 10Mbps for rural areas at no more than ₦390 per gigabyte, a persistent digital divide remains due to inadequate fibre infrastructure, high data costs, and unreliable mobile coverage. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 230 respondents across rural communities in Nigeria, complemented by qualitative interviews and a technical assessment of NIGCOMSAT-1R's Ka-band VSAT components, including the Newtec MDM2200 modem and 75cm dish antenna. The findings reveal a critical paradox, while 90% of respondents have internet access predominantly via mobile data (88.3%) over half (50.4%) rate connectivity as poorly reliable, and 80% perceive it as expensive. Service quality averages below 2.5 on a 5-point scale, yet 86.5% use the internet daily for communication (57%) and business (25.7%), indicating substantial unmet demand. Awareness of satellite internet is high (80%), with 71.7% specifically aware of NIGCOMSAT, though actual adoption remains negligible due to terminal costs, lack of local service resellers, and erratic power supply. Overwhelming community acceptance was documented: 96.5% view satellite broadband positively, 93% consider it viable locally, 97.8% affirm its developmental role, and 97.8% are willing to adopt. Respondents recommended subsidies (69.6%), infrastructure investment (69.1%), awareness campaigns (69.1%), power improvements (65.2%), affordable pricing (59.6%), and public-private partnerships (43.9%). The research concludes that leveraging NIGCOMSAT's Ka-band payload is technically feasible and socially endorsed, serving as a necessary complement to terrestrial networks for universal broadband coverage. The study recommends a multi-dimensional policy framework integrating consumer subsidies, off-grid solar solutions, community service centres, digital literacy training, and public-private partnerships to deliver socio-economic benefits to Nigeria's rural populations.

Keywords

NIGCOMSAT-1R, Ka-Band, Broadband Penetration, Rural Development, Digital Divide, Satellite Communication, Nigeria, VSAT.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Bello Surajudeen Adewale, Daniel Tayo Onare, Adigun Abimbola Olalekan "Leveraging Nigerian Communications Satellite (Nigcomsat) For Broadband Penetration in Rural and Remote Areas of Nigeria Using Ka Band" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 1708-1740 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718890

IEEE:
Bello Surajudeen Adewale, Daniel Tayo Onare, Adigun Abimbola Olalekan "Leveraging Nigerian Communications Satellite (Nigcomsat) For Broadband Penetration in Rural and Remote Areas of Nigeria Using Ka Band" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718890