Communications

Starlink drives LEO satellite market expansion

Starlink's graph representing rise in subscribers

Starlink’s rapid growth reshapes the LEO satellite market as competition with Project Kuiper intensifies. (Image source: Dataxis)

Starlink, a pioneer in the LEO satellite market, is accelerating its growth with ambitious plans to deploy more satellites and expand its network capacity. The company aims to have over 6,500 satellites in orbit and 5 million customers by the end of 2024

To attract even more users, Starlink is experimenting with lower-cost plans and equipment.

According to Carlos Blanco, principal analyst at Dataxis, competition looms as Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepares to enter the market in early 2025. Amazon faces the significant challenge of deploying its satellite fleet and carving out a commercial presence. Both Starlink and Project Kuiper are expected to exhibit extensive vertical integration, potentially making it tough for competitors to rival their dominance. This dynamic signals a new era in the golden age of LEO satellites, driven by ambitious strategies and increasing competition.

SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, operates across the entire value chain—designing and manufacturing satellites and launchers, providing user equipment, managing distribution logistics, and running the service. Such comprehensive vertical integration is unprecedented in the industry.

For 2024, SpaceX has set an aggressive target of 148 launches, 50 more than its 2023 tally. This schedule averages one mission every two and a half days. By October, SpaceX had already completed 108 launches, with just one failure. Of these, 74 missions were dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites, adding 23 units per mission and totaling 1,700 new satellites in just ten months.

TelCables CEO among Nigeria's telecom icons

Fernando Fernandes's photo on a digital banner

Fernando Fernandes recognised in ATCON’s 100 Leading Telecoms & Digital Economy Personalities list for innovation and leadership in Nigeria. (Image source: Tech Africa news)

TelCables Nigeria CEO, Fernando Fernandes, has been recognised as one of the 100 Leading Telecoms & Digital Economy Personalities in Nigeria by the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON)

This prestigious accolade will be featured in ATCON’s flagship publication, 100 Leading Telecoms & Digital Economy Personalities in Nigeria, set to launch during the association’s 31st Anniversary event on December 6, 2024, in Lagos.

First introduced in 2018, the ATCON book celebrates influential figures who have spearheaded innovation, growth, and creativity in Nigeria’s telecommunications and ICT industries. Fernando Fernandes’ inclusion underscores his outstanding leadership and the transformative role TelCables Nigeria has played in reshaping the nation’s telecommunications landscape.

“It is an honour to be recognised among the leading personalities who have shaped the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy,” said Fernando Fernandes. “This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of the entire TelCables team. We remain committed to driving innovation and growth in the sector.”

ATCON president Olusola Teniola highlighted that the publication profiles individuals whose innovative contributions have earned both local and international acclaim, driving the development of Nigeria’s telecom and ICT industries.

This acknowledgment reinforces TelCables’ leadership in the Nigerian telecom sector and bolsters Fernando Fernandes’ standing as a pivotal figure in advancing the industry.

Africa Data Centres secures expansion funding

Africa Data Centres, backed by Cassava Technologies, secures US$108.9mn funding via RMB to expand data centre capacity in South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, has secured approximately US$108.9mn in funding to expand its data centre capacity and meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in South Africa

The bespoke financing solution, arranged by RMB, underscores Africa Data Centres’ strong financial position and commitment to South Africa’s digital transformation.

Hardy Pemhiwa, president & group CEO of Cassava Technologies, emphasised the significance of this funding milestone. He stated, “It underscores our commitment to growth and our confidence in the future of the South African data centre market. The additional funding will allow us to support the digital transformation journeys of our customers. Data centres are key to delivering on our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”

RMB played a crucial role as the coordinator, initial mandated lead arranger, and bookrunner for the US$108.9mn facility. The financing structure aligns with Africa Data Centres’ current strategic objectives.

Africa Data Centres operates hyper-scale and edge data centres across Southern, East, and West Africa.The funding will accelerate the expansion of its hyperscale data centre capacity by an additional 20MW, solidifying its position as a leading player in the African data centre landscape. This expansion enables Africa Data Centres to provide top-tier interconnected, carrier-neutral, and cloud-neutral data centre facilities.

Nana Phiri, head of corporate client group at RMB, highlighted, “The data centre space presents a significant digital infrastructure opportunity, as there is currently a large deficit of supply versus demand. With the exponential growth in demand for data centre capacity in Africa, we are proud to partner with Africa Data Centres as they facilitate digital transformation across the continent. We see this funding as part of RMB’s mandate of financing the development of a sustainable digital economy in South Africa” says Nana Phiri, head of corporate client group at RMB.

Smartoptics, First distribution elevating African connectivity: How?

Smartoptics, a leading provider of optical networking solutions, has announced that First Distribution, Africa’s leading value-added distributor for Datacentre, Cloud, Networking and Security products and services, will distribute Smartoptics products across Africa

Parallel Wireless: Bridging gaps, connecting Africa

Parallel Wireless, the U.S.-based Open RAN innovator, reached a milestone of 1,500 sites deployed across Africa

Angola Cables' record traffic growth

For Ghanaian customers, this license means more efficient and secure money transfers across the country. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Flutterwave gains enhanced PSP license in Ghana

The introduction of Network One in Nigeria aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive for in-country transaction routing, boosting local processing capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Network International debuts Network One in Nigeria

OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, a 2MW open-access, Tier-III data centre, boosts DRC's digital ecosystem with carrier-neutral, sustainable infrastructure. (Image source: Open Access Data Centres)

OADC Texaf boosts DRC's digital ecosystem

Woman’s hands texting, networking, or browsing on smartphone

GSMA's 2024 report reveals the transformative impact of mobile technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting key challenges and growth opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)