In the wake of Starlink’s recent announcement of a significant 21% hardware price reduction aimed at Nigerian customers, former Escom Infobahn founder Sheriff Adepoju weighed in on the implications from Prairie View A&M University in Texas, where he is currently advancing his studies in computer science with a specialization in automation.
Speaking passionately via phone, Adepoju observed, “A 21% price cut marks a pivotal moment. Satellite broadband is no longer a distant dream but a practical reality. This is monumental news for Nigeria, particularly the estimated 45 million citizens who remain disconnected from the digital age.” Adepoju, whose Escom Infobahn once set pioneering standards in connectivity, sees Starlink’s aggressive pricing strategy as a validation of the market’s maturity and readiness for broader digital inclusion.
But Adepoju quickly added a note of caution, emphasizing the nuanced economic reality behind the enticing headline of reduced prices. “The hardware might have dropped in price, but the complexities of foreign exchange remain a critical issue,” he explained. “In our days, the strategy was simple but robust: tariffs set in local currency, with about 60% of installation components sourced locally. That approach offered our customers predictability in a fluctuating market.”
Reflecting on his company’s journey, Adepoju vividly recalled Escom Infobahn’s innovative approach to the challenging landscapes of northern Nigeria. “Our hybrid VSAT and terrestrial solutions were revolutionary at that time, especially in suburban areas,” he recounted. “We didn’t just deliver internet connectivity; we built entire support ecosystems around our users. With dedicated, round-the-clock support teams in strategic hubs like Kaduna and Abuja, our service wasn’t merely transactional. It was transformational.”
Adepoju proudly recalled these localized efforts’ profound social and economic ripple effects. “Every rural site Escom Infobahn connected became more than just a hub of internet access it was a beacon of opportunity,” he remarked. “Each installation directly employed at least three skilled technicians and provided specialized training to ten local youths in essential skills like fiber splicing and computer peripheral maintenance. These skills, crucial for Nigeria’s technological progress, stayed within the community, fueling local growth.”
Following the closure of Escom Infobahn in 2014, Adepoju continued his technology journey with Liviasoft Limited, focusing on maintaining mission-critical platforms and spearheading operational improvements in technology infrastructure. “At Liviasoft, I learned firsthand the importance of seamless, reliable service continuity and robust platform governance,” Adepoju explained. “These experiences reinforced my belief in technology’s potential not only as an enabler but as a catalyst for sustainable growth.”
Elaborating further, Adepoju emphasized the broader vision behind local investments in internet infrastructure. “Local internet providers naturally channel their profits back into their communities,” he noted. “Such reinvestments boost local economies, foster infrastructure development, and significantly improve technology education among young Nigerians.
As global giants like Starlink enter the market with compelling price points, Adepoju urged policymakers and consumers alike to remember the deeper value and sustainability that indigenous providers bring. “International competitors certainly push the market forward, but lasting change happens when technology intertwines with local expertise and directly benefits the community,” Adepoju concluded.
Escom Infobahn, founded as an internet café in Kaduna, grew swiftly into one of northern Nigeria’s influential connectivity providers. Though its operations ended almost a decade ago, Adepoju’s reflections on its legacy inspire ongoing discussions around effective digital solutions, local empowerment, and sustainable development.
