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Internet from space – Satellite internet operator Avanti lands in South Africa

One of the big challenges that network operators face in Africa is the vast distances fixed-line broadband needs to cover. Sadly, running kilometres of cabling just isn’t fiscally viable for many firms.

The alternative has – for many years – been wireless broadband but that comes with other unique issues such as spectrum shortage and even if spectrum is readily available the massive distances between towns in Africa still plays a part.

Firms such as Avanti however, seem to have a better idea. That is, beaming internet to Earth from space.

With the firm already servicing Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa, Avanti has today announced the official launch of its operations in South Africa.

The firm has – to date – invested $143 million in South Africa alone and as much as $897 million in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investing in what? Satellites of course.

Back in April Avanti launched its HYLAS 4 high throughput satellite which will operate 64 fixed and four steerable beams from five Gateway Earth Stations. Essentially this means that the satellite will be able to beam internet connectivity to more people throughout West and Central Africa in addition to Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Through our reliable high-speed connectivity, we bring the digital era to people, we believe everyone has the right to become a digital citizen, especially those in the remotest areas across Africa,” chief marketing officer at Avanti, Christian Georgeson said in a statement.

Avanti’s heavy-handed investment in the African continent was not for nought as the firm appears to have built up a rather decent service offering.

“We have highly redundant Gateways Earth Stations, ensuring 99.8% availability and have built dedicated Gateways in South Africa, which enables data to land in-country. In addition to our satellites and ground infrastructure, Avanti is committed to local employment opportunities in space, ICT, engineering and communications sectors,” expains Georgeson.

With this solution Avanti hopes to give homes, SMEs, enterprise and mobile operators the ability to access high-speed broadband via satellite even in remote areas.

For those that can’t get ADSL, Fibre or LTE broadband coverage it might be worth chatting to Avanti to see if they have a solution for you or your business.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

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