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The company’s Konnect Wi-Fi hotspot solution is playing a major role in shrinking the digital divide in Africa
Eutelsat has announced that it has successfully delivered on its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition commitment to provide one million people in Sub-Saharan Africa with affordable, high-speed internet via satellite, two years ahead of schedule.
The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition aims to accelerate global digital inclusion, particularly in regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is unavailable.
At the centre of the achievement is Eutelsat’s Konnect geostationary satellite, a high-capacity Ka-band satellite that powers Konnect Wi-Fi hotspots. This satellite, which became operational in late 2020, can provide these hotspots with Wi-Fi speeds ranging from 5 Mbps to 100 Mbps at affordable prices, bringing internet access to individuals, schools, businesses, and healthcare centres.
“Reaching this milestone means 1 million people now have access to vital information, education, and communication resources through our Konnect solution. With both Eutelsat’s GEO satellite fleet and OneWeb’s LEO constellation, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that connectivity drives meaningful economic and social progress, empowering communities to thrive in the digital era,” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat in a press release.
In regions where terrestrial networks are still inaccessible, satellite technology has recently become a scalable and cost-effective alternative to bring education, e-commerce, telemedicine, and economic development to as many as possible. It is now a key solution for bridging the digital divide, bringing millions of people online without the need for expensive ground infrastructure.
Beyond bringing connectivity to remote areas, satellite connectivity has also been in the news recently for the key role it can play in supporting customers during emergencies. Following the recent California wildfires, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX’s Starlink would provide free terminals to fire-affected areas in Los Angeles, after it emerged that news crews were relying on the service to broadcast live updates.
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