Eutelsat Communications has unveiled the next step in its broadband strategy for
Africa with the order of a new-generation High Throughput Satellite which will
increase reach and access; helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa.
Set to be launched in 2019, the all-electric satellite will be the first to use Thales
Alenia Space’s new Spacebus Neo Platform, delivering unprecedented operational
flexibility. It will feed wifi hot spots,
provide mobile backhauling services and rural connectivity.
The new satellite 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 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. 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.’
