NIGCOMSAT launches NextTV DTH platform

Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) has launched NextTV, a new satellite DTH platform.

The platform is a joint venture between Nigus International, NIGCOMSAT and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). CGWIC served as the prime contractor for the development of NIGCOMSAT’s communication satellites – NIGCOMSAT-1 and its replacement NIGCOMSAT-1R. NIGCOMSAT-1R was launched on December 20, 2011.

Nigus, a Nigerian technology solutions provider, is the lead partner in the joint venture bringing capital as well as management, administration, licensing, marketing and content expertise. NIGCOMSAT, with a 15% stake, will provide a minimum of four transponders for the use of NextTV. GWIC, with a 10% stake, provides uplink equipment as well as access to back-up satellites to bring redundancy to the service.

The partnership extends NIGCOMSAT’s effort to make DTH services available in Nigeria. In December 2017, NIGCOMSAT launched a free satellite TV service, offering over 40 channels, available across 54 countries in Africa. In this case, NextTV will offer more than 140 channels.