Helping to bridge the digital divide gap in Africa, Eutelsat Communications
yesterday unveiled the next step in its broadband strategy for Africa with new-
generation Satellite that will increase reach and access.
To be launched in 2019, the all-electric satellite will be the first to use Thales
Alenia Space’s new Spacebus Neo Platform, delivering an unprecedented
operational flexibility.
According to the promoters, the solution will good for direct-to-user consumer
and enterprise broadband services using dishes from approximately 75cm and
will feed WiFi hot spots, provide mobile backhauling services and rural
connectivity.
The new satellite, the company said will have the power to provide 75 Gbps of
capacity across a network of 65 spotbeams that together deliver quasi-
complete coverage of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.
This technology, the firm said will be critical for Africa’s transformation plans,
providing a far more cost effective solution for ensuring Universal Access in
sub-Saharan Africa and complementing the services offered by terrestrial
network operations.
Meanwhile, recent studies from the World Bank find that a 10% increase in
broadband penetration is correlated with a 1.3% increase in GDP.
Commenting on the contract, Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat,
said: “We are excited by the opportunity to bring the most advanced satellite
broadband technologies to Africa. With the Spacebus Neo platform proposed
by Thales Alenia Space we are pushing new boundaries in High Throughput
Satellites in order to deliver quality and affordable broadband services in the
many African countries where increasing Internet penetration is a key priority.”
Eutelsat’s African broadband business, including sales will be managed by its
newly created London-based affiliate. Eutelsat also has the option in the
coming months to upscale the satellite to increase significantly overall
throughput and service areas.
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
