By Sodeinde Temidayo David
Subscribers of one of the leading network service providers in Nigeria, 9mobile, will soon begin to enjoy faster internet connection as the company has received the backing of YahClick and Hughes Network Systems.
The collaboration between the firms is for the provision of satellite connectivity to 9mobile as it will enable connectivity to hundreds of cellular networks transmitting a signal from a remote site or network to another site, with high-speed lines capable of transmitting high bandwidth at very fast speeds.
This will deliver 9mobile with a reliable and robust means of rural connectivity across its entire Nigerian operations.
YahClick’s satellite services have reached more than 60 per cent of the population in Africa and the partnership will extend the company’s reach to more regions within Nigeria.
Even the unserved and underserved (rural) regions will soon have access to voice and broadband connectivity and this will have a positive impact on the economy of the country as it strengthens Nigeria’s policy of financial inclusion.
This partnership is set to overcome the barriers of remote connectivity thanks to the satellite backhauling option which makes it feasible to offer cellular services in areas that are prohibitively expensive to reach using traditional terrestrial means.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yahclick, Mr Farhan Khan, disclosed that, “Our agreement unites three companies in working shoulder to shoulder to bridge the digital divide while enabling residents and businesses to realise their potential. As we expand further in Africa, this is another example of the power of collaboration with industry peers that share our vision of advancing humanity.”
The Chief Technical Officer of GCES, Mr Adamu Babadisa, in his remarks, stated that, “For years we have worked with all major telecommunication firms in Nigeria and overall Africa by providing professional quality services to the African telecommunication industry.
“This latest partnership will allow us at GCES to introduce 9mobile to the latest telecommunication applications, equipment, and IT infrastructure we provide to help sustain their mobile network operations.
“This partnership will not only eliminate the barriers to mobile internet adoption within remote regions in Nigeria but also improves the citizens’ access to affordable devices, data plans and opportunities which arise from staying connected.
“This is a step closer to uplifting the marginalized communities that live in unserved and underserved regions, not to mention the socio-economic benefits that come with the sighting of such infrastructure in terms of job creation and economic prosperity of these communities.”
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka