Jonathan hails launch of NigComSat in China

PRESIDENT GoodluckJonathan has hailedthe successful launch of the new Nigerian communications satellite on Monday in Xichang, China, as another great step forward for the country towards the development of a modern, knowledge- driven society.He said that the new satellite, which was paid for by the insurance policy on NigComSat-1 which de-orbited in 2009, would have a positive impact on national development in various sectors such as communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security.According to him, 'it will enhance our communications system as well as facilitate cheaper access to the internet, with a view to bridging the existing digital divide between our urban and predominantly rural communities and, thereby, bringing the government nearer to the grass roots."The president added that the NigComSat-1R would also help in the development of indigenous competence in the management of satellites and related technologies in Nigeria.He said that the new satellite would substantially reduce the annual expenditure of over $1 billion arising from the use of foreign bandwidth for GSM communications, cable television, e-commerce and e-government by both public and private users in the country.
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