With an ever-continuing convergence of telecommunications in a digital era demanding seamless connectivity, the use of satellite services will become ever critical.

The economic and geographic complexities of expanding mobile connectivity to rural and ultrarural areas across Africa often hamper the efforts of many mobile network operators in deploying terrestrial networks.

“Bringing mobile connectivity to the most rural parts of Africa requires hybrid networks and innovative business models to truly close the business case,” says integrated satellite solutions Intelsat regional VP Brian Jakins.

Debating what it will take to build Africa’s communication infrastructure, he notes that there is little consensus on the technology that will deliver the networks of the future, support the seamless communications demanded by businesses and consumers and extend into the more rural areas of the continent.

Fibre networks are fast becoming the preferred technology to provide primary international trunk services; however, it remains unfeasible to deploy everywhere.

Mobile network operators have a difficult time justifying the business case – burdened by heavy upfront costs, owing to difficult terrain and no power facilities – to expand outside existing infrastructure, Jakins says.

A fresh approach is required to build out the continent’s network infrastructure, comprising fully integrated hybrid networks, new business models and creative partnerships.

This includes the satellite industry, which has continued to develop and grow as an alternative and complementary connectivity medium through advances in ground and antenna technology.

While many believe that fibre and microwave are the only solutions available, the upfront capital expenditure (capex) for terrestrial solutions and the operational expenditure to further expand that network are often prohibitively high, he adds, noting the constraints and limitations of both technologies.

Satellite has proved its worth as a connectivity medium in areas where there is no fixed-line infrastructure, connecting rural villages quicklyand cost efficiently with hybrid networks that mix satellite with terrestrial solutions.

“While it has remained a niche solution as a result of the logistics involved in the installation and management of the dishes, new technology is promising to bring satellite connectivity to new markets that have not been able to use satellite links before.”

By integrating satellite technology into mobile operators’ infrastructure, the networks can be extended with minimal capex, increase the subscriber base and generate a strong return on investment.

“Public and private partnerships, as well as innovations throughout the ecosystem, will remain instrumental in connecting those that remain underserved or unconnected,” he says.

In line with this, Intelsat has developed several new partnerships, including one that will leverage a cloud-based management platform with its global satellite and terrestrial networks.

In October, Intelsat partnered with pan-African telecommunications engineering group Q-Kon to enable large-scale broadband access in Africa.

The specialist off-grid solutions provider will introduce new, multiple high-speed broadband services, incorporating services from high-throughput satellite (HTS) Intelsat 33e and powered by managed wholesale service platform IntelsatOne Flex for Enterprise, says Q-Kon CEO Dawie de Wet.

This will enable new services and applications for smaller businesses throughout Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Further, Intelsat and Vodacom Mozambique have signed an agreement for a satellite solution that will provide Pomene, in southern Mozambique, with third-generation services.

Under a multiyear agreement with Vodacom International, Intelsat has upgraded a network operated by Vodacom Mozambique using the Intelsat EpicNG HTS platform to improve the network’s capabilities and deliver a better connectivity experience cost effectively.

“Pomene has become an important tourist destination for the country, and, as it attracts more visitors and cruise ships, the mobile network infrastructure needed to be rapidly and cost effectively upgraded to meet increased demand,” says Vodacom executive head of transmission in Mozambique Basilio Pereira.

This follows the October partnering of Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) and Intelsat to accelerate the adoption of mobile connectivity across multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa and close the digital divide for unserved rural communities.

AMN funds, builds and operates ultra-rural mobile network base stations in regions of sub-Saharan Africa that have no existing service, providing mobile network operators with a capex-free route to add new subscribers and new revenues.

As part of the long-term agreement, AMN will leverage the power, performance and efficiencies generated by the Intelsat Epic HTS, as well as the 23 Intelsat satellites covering the continent, to provide the optimal balance between coverage and high-throughput for the enabled sites.