Press release -
EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite selected by Liquid Intelligent Technologies for broadband connectivity services across Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Reinforcing long term partnership through first-time delivery of Ka-band services by Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- Showcasing the appeal of EUTELSAT KONNECT in Sub-Saharan Africa to support telecom operators in bridging the digital divide
- Introducing a ground station in South Africa, helping expanding local coverage to secure and create new business opportunities
Paris, 15 September 2022 – Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, have signed a multi-year, multi-beam agreement for capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to address the connectivity needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) customers in Uganda, South Sudan and the Eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the agreement, Liquid will leverage capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to increase its portfolio with affordable internet services in territories underserved by terrestrial networks.
Liquid is already a long-standing partner of Eutelsat, where it uses Ku-band capacity on Eutelsat's EUTELSAT 7B satellite for VSAT services in Sub-Saharan Africa under a long-term contract that was renewed and expanded in 2021.
Liquid will also host the first EUTELSAT KONNECT ground gateway in Sub-Saharan Africa, thus reinforcing its dominance as a key satellite Ground Segment / Teleport operator in Africa, further cementing the existing relationship with EUTELSAT. Located in Krugersdorp, South Africa, the gateway will help Eutelsat expand local coverage and secure and create new business opportunities by offering enhanced broadband service performance.
EUTELSAT KONNECT is a new-generation High Throughout Satellite offering unrivalled operational flexibility and extensive in-orbit resources to bring broadband services to Africa. Since entering full service more than a year ago, the satellite has gained strong momentum through multiple agreements with telecommunications operators in many of the most densely populated countries on the African continent.
Scott Mumford, CEO of Liquid Satellite Services, commented: "We offer satellite services in over 27 African countries, impacting the lives of over 1.3 billion people. With this agreement, we will expand our service portfolio to include Ka-band services for the first time. We have always been early innovators and investors towards initiatives and technology that will help us realise our vision of creating a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind."
Michel Azibert, Eutelsat's Deputy CEO, added: "This new agreement testifies to the strong appeal of our EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite in Sub-Saharan Africa and its pertinence in supporting telecom operators in bridging the digital divide. By reinforcing our relationship with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, we will be able to leverage the Eutelsat fleet's extensive coverage of Sub-Saharan Africa combined with Liquid Intelligent Technologies' unique expertise and local know-how to deliver best-in-class services to businesses across the continent."
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About Eutelsat Communications
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.
Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).
For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com
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