VNO Service Empowers VSAT Operators to Focus on their Customers
Rather than on Infrastructure Operations
LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 4, 2016--
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized
Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, announced that it
has partnered with AfricaOnline, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gondwana
International Networks, a leading provider of communications solutions
across Africa, 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 Gondwana will provide ground
support and network management services from AfricaOnline’s facilities
at Hartebeesthoek in South Africa. Together, Intelsat and Gondwana will
deliver high-quality, Ku-band broadband service on a virtual network
operator (VNO) basis.
The VNO platform leverages Intelsat’s extensive service infrastructure
and Gondwana’s network management expertise to facilitate easier
deployment of Ku-band VSAT services. The large upfront capital
commitment otherwise required of regional VSAT operators for both
infrastructure and minimum capacity obligations will be reduced, as will
VSAT operators’ operational costs. This is beneficial to VSAT operators,
distributors and end-users alike and allows VSAT operators to focus on
marketing, service provisioning/support and their customers, and not on
network infrastructure.
“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,” said Mathew Welthagen, CEO of Gondwana International
Networks. “The upfront capital commitment and ongoing fixed operating
cost structure of Ku-band VSAT has constrained expansion of services in
Africa. A managed VNO platform allows for increased economies of scale,
both in terms of capex and opex, and is a giant step forward in bringing
cost-effective connectivity to Africa. Our ultimate goal is to drive
connectivity across the continent. Our vision resonates with Intelsat,
and this partnership allows Gondwana to continue to lead the way in
providing our customers with high-quality, cost-effective,
forward-looking communications solutions.”
“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,” said Kurt Riegelman, Senior Vice President, Sales and
Marketing, Intelsat. “The continent is materially underserved with
relatively low internet penetration. Leveraging the strength of
Intelsat’s Ku-band satellite solutions with AfricaOnline’s ground
segment services will help foster business development, enhance medical
and educational services to local communities, provide critical backup
support during times of crisis, and enable citizens across Sub-Saharan
Africa to maintain communications with friends and family within Africa
and around the globe.”
Supporting Resources:
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network,
delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services
anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the
world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure,
managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable
customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network
services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people
worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity,
multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and
seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one
that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries
and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About Gondwana International Networks
Gondwana International Networks is a Pan-African communications service
company and one of the largest VSAT Operators in Africa through its
operating brands, AfricaOnline and iWayAfrica. The consistently
award-winning Group has a physical presence in 10 countries on the
continent and offers services in an additional 34 countries via its
distributor channel partners.
http://www.gondwanainternational.com/
About AfricaOnline
AfricaOnline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gondwana International
Networks. With over 18 years’ experience in the ICT Industry,
AfricaOnline is considered one of the oldest and consistently reliable
internet service providers on the continent. Offering comprehensive
products and services on a wholesale and retail basis to other ISPs,
corporates and consumers, AfricaOnline facilitates effective, reliable,
secure communication for its customers. Its product and solution
portfolio includes broadband wireless, leased lines, MPLS, VSAT,
hosting, mail services, domains and disaster recovery solutions.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160704005031/en/
Source: Intelsat
Intelsat
Michele Loguidice
Director, Investor Relations and
Corporate Communications
+1 703-559-7372
michele.loguidice@intelsat.com