Since 2019, InterSAT has been increasing its partnerships with telecom service providers to bring voice and data services to a greater number of people in Africa. With the demand for connectivity that has grown on the continent since last year, the company is currently developing new ambitions.

InterSAT, a company specializing in providing Internet connectivity via satellite, announced last week that it has signed an agreement with US satellite communications company Kymeta and Azerbaijani satellite operator Azercosmos. It will draw on the expertise of these two companies to strengthen its high-speed connectivity solutions in Africa. To achieve this, InterSAT intends to pool its SkyMOVE services with the Kymeta U8 terminals on the Azerspace-2 satellite.

Hanif Kassam, Chairman and CEO of InterSAT, justifies the partnership with Kymeta and Azercosmos by “  the growth of end markets for high-speed satellite networks  ”. He stressed that “  this partnership is an important step in improving our solution offerings. Being technologically independent supports our idea that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for our diverse clientele in Africa. In addition, this unique partnership is another step in improving our portfolio  ”.

Currently in Africa, the Internet penetration rate is only 28% according to the World Association of Telephone Operators (GSMA). In its report “The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2021”, the Association indicates that broadband is still weak. In its mobility report of June 2021, Ericsson indicates that 3G will still represent the most used mobile technology by 2026. That is to say nearly 40% against 28% for 4G.

In its report “Digital trends in Africa 2021 Information and communication technology trends and developments in the Africa region 2017-2020”, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that the lack of quality access is one of the main reasons for which populations still use the Internet very little in Africa. The partnership signed by InterSAT with Kymeta and Azercosmos will make it possible to respond to this to a greater extent. 

Source: Agence Ecofin