Fibrelike satellite connectivity to bolster African telecoms

20th April 2018

By: Schalk Burger

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

     

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Satellite connectivity provides a key link in the African telecommunications ecosystem by improving the delivery of data services and digital video content in support of and in partnership with mobile network operators and telecommunications service providers, says satellite operator SES Africa sales and market development VP Clint Brown.

Specifically, the connectivity enabled by high-throughput satellite links can significantly change the value proposition and service offerings that telecommunications firms can provide to end customers, including high-speed broadband connectivity and new applications such as video-on-demand offerings.

“The synergies satellite has with the mobile connectivity market in Africa, especially to provide periurban and rural areas with the same quality of connectivity and services as enjoyed in well-served areas, are changing the business models of companies in the sector and will provide a platform for the creation, management and distribution of digital video content.”

SES’s clients in Africa use the firm’s satellite capacity to extend their networks into areas where there is no fibre to provide rich content and data services.

The satellite connectivity delivered by the medium earth orbit O3b fleet also uniquely sets it apart from its peers. The constellation covers the whole of Africa and is located at 8 000 km from earth or about four times closer to the planet than traditional geostationary satellites. By being able to achieve latencies as low as 150 m, and using high-throughput spot-beams, SES offers fibrelike broadband connectivity regardless of location.

“Our partnerships with mobile networks and telecommunications companies, as well as key players in the broader ecosystem, provide capacity for additional data services and video content directly to clients’ homes. Further, the flexibility of our services supports pay-as-you-use and on-demand business models.”

SES services allow mobile network operators and telecommunications companies to extend their networks and serve their clients, including enterprise and public-sector clients, in new areas, strengthening their value proposition and growing their market.

Further, the opportunities afforded by the broadband services in underserved regions, beyond rich data services and video content, include electronic government, financial, electronic healthcare, rich education content and online services.

“Satellite connectivity is a disintermediator of distance and service. It is key to closing the gap of the digital divide created by distance and socioeconomic factors. Voice, data and video services can be provided for people in underserved areas with the same user experience that clients in well-served regions get.”

The key is using the different telecommunications technologies in combination with one another, with each component carrying the most relevant portions of clients’ data.

“The business models in Africa are changing to better serve the end-user. This change includes greater collaboration, partnership structures and revenue-sharing models as part of a much larger and heterogeneous digital services market.”

SES sees its role as a service partner for telecommunications companies and organisations in Africa, says Brown.

“We can take the issues caused by distances off the table.”

The ability to flex the use of connectivity services based on the requirements, and their changes over time, makes satellite a key accompaniment to digital services innovations and commercial offerings.

“The next generation of services, including voting, medical, government and educational services, might well be delivered, at least in part, by satellite links. SES already provides data links for border posts and some remote airports and we want to help governments and companies to deliver more to potential clients,” he concludes.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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