Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) signed a contract with Hughes Network Systems earlier this week to utilize its Jupiter scalable gateway system in support of the operator’s NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellites servicing Africa.
Under the contract, Hughes will deliver a Jupiter scalable gateway system designed to support capacity deployment across the new satellites. The solution aims to enable multi-band operations across Ka-, Ku-, and C-bands, supporting high-speed broadband, enterprise, and government services throughout Nigeria and the wider region. Hughes said it also expects to provide technical guidance, engineering support, and advisory expertise to help enable the local assembly of satellite terminals in Nigeria. The project is scheduled for system preparation in 2026 and delivery of ground systems, terminals, and local assembly to be ready ahead of the launch of the two satellites in early 2028 and 2029.
“As we prepare for the next phase of Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure, partnering with Hughes provides us with a scalable and future-ready ground system,” NigComSat Managing Director Jane Egerton-Idehen said in the announcement. “The Jupiter platform will allow us to efficiently deploy capacity today, while scaling to meet the country’s long-term connectivity needs … The partnership should be viewed not merely as a commercial technology arrangement, but as a strategic industrialization initiative capable of strengthening Nigeria’s satellite communications sovereignty, accelerating digital infrastructure development, supporting defense and government connectivity, stimulating manufacturing and innovation, diversifying national revenue sources, and positioning Nigeria as a future regional hub for the production, deployment, and servicing of satellite broadband terminals and antennas across Africa.”
