SEACOM and Q-KON partner to expand LEO satellite connectivity

SEACOM, a prominent Pan-African provider of connectivity and cloud solutions, is proud to unveil its new partnership with Q-KON, a leading satellite engineering company serving Sub-Saharan Africa

This collaboration is set to elevate SEACOM’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services, which have been available in South Africa since early 2024.

The improved LEO service offering, made possible through this strategic partnership, will now be integrated into SEACOM’s comprehensive connectivity portfolio. This integration will enable SEACOM to enhance its overall service capabilities while increasing the adaptability and robustness of its network infrastructure.

Through LEO satellite technology, SEACOM clients can seamlessly incorporate satellite connectivity into their existing network ecosystems and business continuity frameworks. The system operates by transmitting data via satellite to teleport facilities and then on to various network centers and endpoints. Q-KON supports this effort through its enterprise-grade Twoobii-LEO satellite solution, powered by the global Eutelsat OneWeb high-speed, low-latency satellite constellation, deployed across strategic African markets.

“This partnership is consistent with our customer-centric strategy, and our clients can expect the best and most effective solutions for their enterprise needs,” commented Sajid Khan, managing director of SEACOM group digital services.

“LEO connectivity allows South African enterprises to reinforce their digital ecosystems and invest in heightened network resilience and business continuity. The partnership showcases the co-creation between the two companies, whose synergistic relationship has allowed us to combine our in-depth understanding of terrestrial infrastructure with their specialised expertise in satellite-based networks, resulting in innovative solutions tailored to modern business challenges,” remarked Khan.

Q-KON also sees great promise in the partnership and the opportunities it unlocks across Africa. “The rise of LEO technology throughout Africa’s corporate and public landscape has provided a unique opportunity for Q-KON, one that we are embracing with the power of collaboration and the help of reputable industry players such as SEACOM. We are very excited to see where this partnership takes us and how we work together to usher in the next stage of continent-wide digital transformation,” remarked Dr Dawie de Wet, group CEO of Q-KON and their African satellite service, Twoobii.

The use of LEO satellite technology has grown rapidly across Africa in recent years, especially in remote and underserved regions where connectivity is often limited. This trend is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the near future.

“The recent accelerated growth of satellite services in general for Africa, and LEO services specifically, provides Q-KON with a unique opportunity to develop Africa-centric solutions leveraging the global constellations and our in-depth system engineering capabilities. The most recent success is the development of the Super Smart Twoobii-OneWeb service. We are pleased that SEACOM has selected Q-KON as a valued partner for this connectivity segment, and we look forward to supporting SEACOM on this journey,” added de Wet.

South African enterprises are increasingly exploring the potential of LEO satellites, driven by digital transformation initiatives and a shift toward alternative energy models. According to Khan, this form of connectivity is particularly well-suited for organisations with high-demand applications.

“LEO connectivity is especially suitable for organisations with low latency and intensive workloads, including those in mining, retail, and financial services sectors,” Khan explains. Khan also notes that LEO connectivity adds to enterprises’ connectivity infrastructure and does not replace other wired and terrestrial technologies and mediums.

“The ability to continue operating during a network disruption or failure is where the true value of LEO comes to light. Imagine a bank or retail finance provider with branches or outlets in regions lacking adequate terrestrial systems and infrastructure. By leveraging a LEO connection, those providers can keep outlets connected and provide essential services to their clients,” said Khan.

“By expanding and guaranteeing network availability, companies can reduce costs, increase their market presence, operate in underserved areas, and uphold the quality of their customer experience. With the help of Q-KON and by upholding our commitment to creating a digitally connected Africa, we can tailor our solutions and deliver impactful results,” he concluded.