Satellite company Eutelsat teamed up with Facebook’s paid-for Express Wifi platform to give thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa access to the internet.
If the term Eutelsat sounds familiar to you, it’s because earlier this year internet service providers (ISP) Telone secured a multi-year agreement with the leading satellite operator to extend broadband coverage to the remote areas to bridge the digital divide in the country using a satellite-based network that can be accessed by anyone from anywhere.
Facebook Connectivity developed the Express Wi-Fi platform. It enables partners to build, grow and monetize their Wi-Fi businesses in a scalable way. This is including providing their customers with, affordable, and reliable internet access from anywhere
Express Wifi is also already available via mobile operators, such as Cell C in South Africa, Globe in the Philippines and Vodafone in Ghana, as well as other internet service providers in Africa, Asia and South America. However mobile network operators(MNO) in Zimbabwe seem unmoved by the opportunities and advantages brought by satellite-based networks which have no limit as far as coverage is concerned.
Philippe Baudrier, general manager of Eutelsat’s Konnect Africa, said: “This initiative is the perfect example of the power of satellite connectivity to bridge the digital divide, with unmatched economic and social benefits. We are proud once again to leverage the unparalleled coverage of Eutelsat Konnect to satisfy this growing demand.”
“At Facebook, we’re committed to working with partners to help expand connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to be the region with the highest coverage gap,” said Fargani Tambeayuk, Facebook’s head of connectivity policy for sub-Saharan Africa. “Connectivity is essential to ensuring access to jobs, education, healthcare and more.” Said Facebook
Eutelsat and Facebook have previously conducted successful satellite pilots in rural and underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) enabling local businesses to offer affordable internet access to customers on a pre-paid basis.
Eutelsat’s use of the Express Wi-Fi platform has enabled access to affordable broadband for thousands of individuals across the DRC, said the Paris-based satellite company. The extension will cover DRC as well as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
About Eutelsat
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat communications is one of the world’s leading satellite operators with a global fleet of satellites and associated infrastructure. It is headquartered in Paris, France but has offices around the globe.-eyetrodigital