Nigerias replacement communications satellite, NigComSat-1R, will be launched into the orbit on December 19, 2011, the Federal Government has said.Speaking at the opening of a three-day stakeholders conference and exhibition on NigComSat-1R in Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, disclosed that plans had been concluded ahead of the launch date.The conference was organised by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and had as its theme, "Pre-Launch Marketing and Sensitisation on NigComSat-1R."The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ola Oguneye, said the launch of the satellite would not only position the country for global competitiveness, but also increase Information and Communication Technologys contributions to economic development.The minister, who the gains in the telecoms sector had yet to be replicated in the IT sector, stressed that the satellite, when launched, would boost IT development through its broadband capacity among other communication facilities.She said, NigComSat-1R and other cables presently in the country "will definitely reduce the cost of bandwidth."She noted that, "The country still pays more for broadband services. The belief is that with satellite communications, the country will be able to augment things and improve communications services."Johnson, however, sought the private sectors contribution to making NigComSat-1R profitable, adding that the sector was the driver of global economies.NigComSat-1, which was launched into space in May 2007 as part of the Federal Governments economic and technological development plans, was de-orbited on November 10, 2008 due to some technical problems.'The Managing Director, NigComSat Limited, Dr. Timansaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, who disclosed that NigComSat-1R had a 15-year plus life span, noted that the new satellite would consolidate Nigerias place in the community of ICT economies."Nigeria, according to a recent World Bank report, imports more of ICT services, whereas on the export level, it is zero. But with facilities such as the satellite, that should change. We should stop producing market for other countries," he said.According to him, NigComSat-1R will ensure that Nigerians have access to quality communications system, without necessarily paying exorbitant fees, and redresses the long-term damage to the countrys broadcasting environment.Ahmed-Rufai further emphasised that NigComSat-1R would play significant roles in actualising the Central Bank of Nigerias cashless economy, the Nigerian Communications Commissions rural telephony project, and the Independent National Electoral Commissions e-voting project.He added that it would also tremendously raise the revenue profile of the country, especially as every home would be able access the Internet easily and affordably.The Vice-President, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, the company handling the project for Nigeria, Mr. He Xing, said with the experience and verification exercise done so far, the launch would be a success, stressing that CGWIC had developed models that met the yearning of the developing industry in space technology."We shall provide long term support for the satellite. NigComSat-IR is a valuable asset for Nigeria, which will benefit the Nigerian people. Aside improving broadcasting services, it will aid telecommunications as well. This technology will be able to satisfy the technology needs of Asia, the Middle East and Africa," he said.
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