Intelsat and AfricaOnline partner for broadband

Satellite operator Intelsat has partnered with AfricaOnline to provide a managed broadband internet service for sub-Saharan Africa.  

Under the agreement, Intelsat will provide satellite services via Intelsat 28 located at 33° East and AfricaOnline will provide ground support and network management services from its facilities at Hartebeesthoek in South Africa.

Together, the companies will deliver a Ku-band broadband service on a virtual network operator (VNO) basis. They claim this platform will use Intelsat’s infrastructure and Gondwana’s network management to enable simple deployment of Ku-band VSAT services.

AfricaOnline is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gondwana International Networks and provides communications solutions across Africa. Gondwana CEO, Mathew Welthagen, said: “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.”

Kurt Riegelman, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Intelsat said: “Enabling connectivity to communities and businesses is at the core of everything we do, and our partnership with AfricaOnline and Gondwana International Networks will provide millions of people working in Sub-Saharan Africa businesses with access to high quality and affordable internet service.”