Nigeria’s satellite internet sphere is experiencing rapid transformation thanks to Eutelsat’s Konnect, which has partnered with the internet service provider Coollink, poised to revolutionize the Nigerian market,leadership reports
In a statement signed by Modupe Okeowo, the Country Manager for Konnect Nigeria, it was highlighted that this internet service provider has made significant contributions to serving viewers. The statement also underscored Eutelsat’s aspirations to challenge other internet providers, potentially reshaping the satellite internet landscape across Africa.
The statement further noted that in Africa, 864 million people remained unconnected to the internet, with a growing urban-rural connectivity divide and a median internet speed of 31 Mbps. The Konnect service, however, aims to address this enormous challenge and connect one million unconnected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa within the next 3-4 years, with Nigeria being a pivotal focus due to the significant number of unconnected people and the potential impact on economic growth.
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Launched in 2020, Konnect offers impressive speeds of up to 100 Mbps, featuring unlimited data plans starting at just N7,900, and devices available from N45,000. Konnect has adopted a segmented approach to cater to various user needs, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households to hospitals and businesses.
Despite speed limits on different plans, users can still enjoy full-speed internet between 10 pm and 7 am for extensive downloads and updates. This segmented pricing and innovative approach have enabled Konnect and its partner, Coollink, to address the challenges of low purchasing power and high capital costs in Nigeria effectively. Compared to other internet providers with starting prices at ₦30,000, Konnect demonstrates a deeper understanding of the local market.
Moreover, Konnect’s geostationary satellite offers wide coverage, making its service accessible from anywhere in Nigeria, as opposed to Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites used by other providers. The statement also revealed that Konnect plans to enhance its capacity over Nigeria in Q2 2024 and launch its LEO services over Nigeria in Q4 2023, further meeting the growing demand for connectivity.
Eutelsat is also working closely with OneWeb to prepare a proposed merger later in the year. OneWeb’s constellation of 648 low Earth orbiting satellites will enhance Konnect’s capabilities, enabling higher speeds and more affordable latencies, solidifying its position as a formidable player in the satellite internet market.
In conclusion, the statement emphasized that Konnect is the quiet force reshaping Nigeria’s satellite internet landscape and poised for further advancements in the near future.
