Nigeria’s biggest telecoms operator MTN Nigeria has signed a partnership agreement with UK-based Sky and Space Global Ltd (SAS) to test an IoT network for connected objects in Nigeria.
The test also includes the testing of a SAS narrowband satellite communications network. This experiment will allow both companies to scrutinize the potential of the IoT market and narrow-band applications with the intention of reaching a commercial agreement.
Meir Moalem, SAS’s chief executive, said the collaboration with MTN Nigeria is a great opportunity to gauge the potential of advanced IoT technology and narrow-band satellite as a catalyst for the development of the telecom market in Nigeria and across Africa.
“There is a clear need to provide the many underserved populations with access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. Our nano-satellite technology offers regional telecom operators a revolutionary and cost-effective satellite alternative, “ he said.
Sky and Space Global Ltd. currently aims to provide a narrowband communications network through a constellation of 200 miniature satellites. The first batch of this telecom equipment is expected to be sent to space by mid-2019.
