Continuing what has been a very eventful period for the satellite operator, Intelsat has announced a partnership with the leading Kenyan operator Safaricom to expand LTE coverage in the country.
The multi-year contract with Intelsat is intended to help Safaricom modernize its network and expand LTE coverage to more subscribers across the whole country. Intelsat will provide Safaricom with both cellular backhaul over satellite and enterprise connectivity services.
The availability of a Safaricom LTE service everywhere will enhance connectivity for the 68.9% of the Kenyan population that lives in rural areas. Intelsat says that bringing such services to these challenging, hard-to-reach places supports the Kenyan government’s vision for a digitally empowered citizenry.
It adds that the power of its global satellite network, combined with Safaricom’s expertise, will ensure secure coverage, even in the most remote areas of the country. Intelsat says its network delivers carrier-grade and resilient bandwidth where and when it is needed most, ensuring a seamless, reliable experience for businesses to operate optimally, while end users can stay in touch with family and friends, watch videos or access a full range of e-services such as banking, health care and education.
“This strategic partnership enables Safaricom to leverage our global hybrid network and expand its LTE coverage to remote areas and more subscribers in Kenya, helping them increase their revenue and provide an improved, more reliable experience to their customers, no matter where they are,” said Intelsat director of sales in Africa, Hans Geldenhuys. “The reach of our network across the African continent also offers growth opportunities as Safaricom looks to expand its activities in other countries in the region.”
This is proving a busy month for Intelsat. Just over a week ago Intelsat announced support for operators in Brazil, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo in connecting hard-to-reach areas.
