The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, has stated that to promote adoption and expansion, original equipment makers of satellite technology must prioritise affordability in Africa.
In a statement obtained on Monday by BrandSpur national news brand, the head of NIGCOMSAT stated that the existing situation of satellite services in Africa is typified by high pricing and restricted accessibility.
Egerton-Idehen went on to say: “I believe interoperability and the high cost of customer acquisitions are two challenges that need to be addressed. This is what Africa truly needs, especially when it comes to adopting satellite services and competitive pricing for end consumers.”
According to her, satellite OEMs must create customer-focused solutions that address the particular requirements of the African market. She claims that there is a lot of room for expansion in the African market for satellite OEMs, but businesses must modify their strategies to suit regional demands.
She stated: “Imagine being able to use a single device to access satellite services regardless of the technology or vendor.”
Revealing further: “That is the kind of innovation Africa needs to bridge the digital divide.”
She emphasised how important it is to comprehend the peculiarities and realities of local markets to lead Africa’s digital transformation.
In 2014, Egerton-Idehen, then employed by Ericsson in Ghana, described an attempt to partner with a big streaming service provider to provide mobile TV and streaming services to the general public.
She said: “We approached a major subscription-based streaming service company to collaborate with the largest mobile operator in Ghana, but they passed on the opportunity because they insisted on debit/credit card payments.”
However, she pointed out that the business lost out on a chance to enter the West African market ten years ago as a result of its inability to adjust to regional payment methods like mobile money.
