Yahsat gears up for African expansion

As satellite operator Yahsat prepares to launch the satellite that will expand its coverage to 18 African countries, broadband satellite solutions and services provider Hughes Network Systems has been brought on board to ensure consistency and smooth transition across the targeted countries.

Hughes would deploy Jupiter System and related network operations services on Yahsat’s new Ka-band satellite, Al Yah 3, which was set to launch in early 2017, to further strengthen the company’s footprint in Africa.

Al Yah 3 was the Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat’s third satellite and would extend the company’s commercial Ka-band coverage to 60% of Africa’s population.

The company’s first satellite Y1A was launched in 2011, followed by Y1B a year later.

Under the multiyear contract, Hughes would provide the Jupiter System gateways and broadband terminals and its operating and business support solutions as a turnkey outsourced managed services.

“The right partnerships are fundamental to our expansions. As we diligently work with Hughes to enable the Jupiter System, working with the right service providers across the continent is also key. This will ensure tried-and-tested solutions, as well as local on-ground knowledge, throughout the growth of services,” said Yahsat chief commercial officer David Murphy.

This comes after a partnership agreement was signed with Internet service provider iWayAfrica for on-ground satellite broadband support services in Uganda.

iWayAfrica would provide in-country user equipment, installation and customer care services, with users gaining access to connectivity through a small satellite dish and satellite modem across Uganda.