Intelsat and AfricaOnline partner for broadband in the sub-Saharan
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Intelsat and AfricaOnline partner for broadband in the sub-Saharan

Intelsat has partnered with AfricaOnline, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gondwana International Networks, to provide a managed broadband service for sub-Saharan Africa

Under the agreement, Intelsat will provide services through its Intelsat 28 satellite and Gondwana will provide ground support and network management services from AfricaOnline’s facilities at Hartebeesthoek, South Africa. Both companies will deliver high-quality, Ku-band broadband service on a virtual network operator (VNO) basis.

"We want to be the preferred provider of VSAT services across Africa, and this initiative with Intelsat allows us to enhance our portfolio of service offerings,” said Mathew Welthagen, CEO of Gondwana International Networks.

“The upfront capital commitment and ongoing fixed operating cost structure of Ku-band VSAT has constrained expansion of services in Africa. A managed VNO platform allows for increased economies of scale, both in terms of capex and opex, and is a giant step forward in bringing cost-effective connectivity to Africa.”

Kurt Riegelman, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Intelsat, noted that the continent is underserved with relatively low internet penetration. 

“Leveraging the strength of Intelsat’s Ku-band satellite solutions with AfricaOnline’s ground segment services will help foster business development, enhance medical and educational services to local communities, provide critical backup support during times of crisis, and enable citizens across Sub-Saharan Africa to maintain communications with friends and family within Africa and around the globe.”

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