Satellite original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must prioritise affordability in Africa to encourage broader adoption and growth, according to Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).
In a statement released on Monday, Egerton-Idehen highlighted that high costs and limited accessibility currently define satellite services across the continent. “Interoperability and the high cost of customer acquisitions are two major challenges that need to be addressed. This is crucial for Africa, especially in terms of adopting satellite services and ensuring competitive pricing for end consumers,” she stated.
Egerton-Idehen emphasised the need for satellite OEMs to develop customer-centric solutions tailored to the unique needs of the African market. She noted that while the African market holds significant growth potential for these companies, they must adapt their business models to align with local needs. “Imagine being able to use a single device to access satellite services, regardless of the technology or vendor,” she envisioned. “That’s the kind of innovation Africa requires to bridge the digital divide.”
She also stressed the importance of understanding local market realities and nuances in driving digital transformation across Africa. Reflecting on her experience in 2014 while working for Ericsson in Ghana, Egerton-Idehen recalled an attempt to partner with a major streaming service company to offer mobile TV and streaming services to the mass market. “We approached a major subscription-based streaming service to collaborate with the largest mobile operator in Ghana, but they declined because they insisted on debit/credit card payments,” she explained.
Egerton-Idehen noted that the company’s failure to adapt to local payment methods, such as mobile money, resulted in a missed opportunity to enter the West African market a decade earlier.
