Remote connectivity is a continuing focus in African telecommunications, and a recent announcement from Telecom Namibia underlines the relevance of satellites and VSATs to this drive.
Telecom Namibia has upgraded its very small aperture terminal (VSAT) hub to ensure faster and reliable IP-based connectivity for users in remote areas. Pilot installations of TN’s modern VSAT hub, called Satlink, have had satisfactory results, the company says.
Telecom Namibia recently migrated the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute to the upgraded VSAT platform. The mission of Gobabeb is to be a catalyst for gathering, understanding and sharing knowledge about arid environments, especially the hyperarid Namib Desert. Thus there’s little doubt that the institute needs reliable remote connectivity, especially given its use of scientific instruments that need to send data on time.
Justus Shalihu, Telecom Namibia VSAT project manager, stated that the roll-out of remote terminals to various areas across Namibia is about to commence. “We have started engaging our customers and will soon commence with the roll-out,” he said.
VSAT is a customised integrated voice/fax, data and video satellite communication solution available everywhere, even in the most remote areas in Namibia. Telecom Namibia’s upgraded VSAT is based on the latest high-capacity, high-throughput and low-latency satellite technology and supports delivery of both narrowband and broadband connectivity anywhere in Namibia.
The company cites farmers, banks, schools, NGOs and mining companies as likely beneficiaries of VSAT service in remote areas.
Telecom Namibia’s Satlink service comes with unlimited data volume downloads and high-speed internet access at a flat rate as well as transmission of integrated, voice, fax and internet on one network. Residential and business customers can choose from a variety of packages on offer and a fixed contract period of 36 months.
To ease migration to the new Satlink packages, Telecom says it will absorb all once-off device and installation/ service replacement cost for its existing customers.
