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Gateway Communications, a leading provider of communications services to mobile operators and multinational corporations in Africa, has been awarded a contract to provide Etisalat with cellular backhaul for its Nigerian mobile network. 
The deal, worth US$6 million over a two-year term, ensures satellite cellular backhaul from Gateway Communications to Etisalat, which would connect three major cities in Nigeria. 
Commenting on the business relationship between the two companies, Steven Evans, chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, remarked: “Given the rapid rate of mobile adoption in Nigeria and what this represents in terms of opportunity, Nigeria is undoubtedly a key market for Etisalat. It was therefore key for us to find a partner that understands both the local market requirements as well as the complete technology landscape across Africa.” 
He added: “As the most successful supplier of satellite cellular backhaul in Africa, Gateway Communications has expertise in both these areas. We are therefore confident that our desire to roll out our services across Nigeria in the shortest possible time will benefit from this promising business relationship.”
With more than 47 transponders of capacity, Gateway says it carries more satellite cellular backhaul in Africa than any other operator. 
Etisalat Nigeria launched its network last September, and according to figures from the Mobile World, by the end of the year had already picked up just under 400,000 subscribers.