Satellite

Satellite 4G revolution transforms Mali

Intelsat empowers Mali’s digital future with satellite 4G rollout

Intelsat has partnered with Orange Mali to design and deploy an innovative satellite-powered solution aimed at overcoming Mali’s extensive geographic and logistical challenges

The collaboration has resulted in a milestone achievement: the first successful deployment of a satellite-powered 4G network in Francophone West Africa.

This transformative project was built on strong local partnerships and a deep understanding of Mali’s existing infrastructure and unique connectivity needs. By leveraging the capabilities of the Intelsat 23 (IS-23) and Intelsat 10-02 (IS-1002) satellites, Intelsat was able to deliver reliable 3G and 4G connectivity to some of the most remote regions of the country.

To ensure network resilience, Intelsat selected robust, field-proven equipment designed to withstand Mali’s challenging climate and terrain. The company managed every aspect of the network’s installation and operation, allowing Orange Mali to concentrate on its core business. By utilising existing infrastructure where feasible, Intelsat accelerated the deployment timeline and kept implementation costs in check.

Sustaining reliable service is a priority, with Intelsat and its partners providing round-the-clock in-country technical support. Proactive monitoring enables early issue detection and resolution—often before customers experience any disruption. Network experts specialising in VSAT and RAN technologies are also available to assist Orange Mali in optimising performance and efficiency.

The results have been far-reaching. Orange Mali’s satellite capacity has surged from 200 Mbps to over 5 Gbps, supporting connectivity across more than 60 remote sites in 30 regions. More than 360,000 people in previously unreachable areas now have access to mobile and internet services. This expanded connectivity has spurred economic growth, enhanced personal and professional opportunities, and improved quality of life across the country.

In the southern village of Kabala, reliable internet access has created new jobs and enabled local entrepreneurship. In northern Mali, improved communication has encouraged displaced populations to return, restoring community ties. Meanwhile, women across the country are gaining greater access to land, technology, finance, and markets—broadening their contributions to economic development.

For Orange Mali, the enhanced satellite infrastructure has opened doors to new service offerings tailored to businesses and enterprises, reinforcing its position as a key player in Mali’s digital evolution.

This landmark deployment not only connects rural communities but also lays the foundation for broader socio-economic transformation powered by digital inclusion.

This article is based on insights and information from Intelsat’s case study “Bridging Mali’s Digital Divide.” For full details and further information, please visit the original case study at: https://www.intelsat.com/resources/case-studies/bridging-malis-digital-divide/

Vox, Q-KON strengthen LEO satellite services in Africa

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Vox joins Q-KON as a OneWeb Partner, enhancing LEO satellite connectivity options for enterprise customers in Southern Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Q-KON and Vox have announced that Vox has officially become a OneWeb Partner with Q-KON, the provider of Twoobii Super Smart Satellite Solutions for enterprise customers

With a strong reputation in B2B satellite connectivity, Vox has become a choice for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) solution providers. Q-KON has confirmed that Vox has selected Twoobii-OneWeb as its preferred LEO partner.

Enterprise clients of Vox will now benefit from LEO satellite technology, gaining lower latency, greater reliability, and higher data transfer speeds. With this robust connectivity, Vox customers can use Twoobii-OneWeb as a primary connectivity solution or as a backup to existing terrestrial networks.

This partnership has also expanded connectivity options for a previously underserved market segment, now enabling reliable voice services over satellite along with enterprise-grade services featuring defined Quality of Service (QoS) configurations.

Becoming a Twoobii-OneWeb reseller strengthens Vox’s satellite connectivity offering, allowing enterprise customers across Southern Africa to access world-class LEO services. This move further reinforces the business case for satellite connectivity in various industries.

"Securing Vox as a Twoobii-OneWeb reseller represents a valuable extension of our existing partnership and being able to provide world-class LEO services to enterprise customers throughout southern Africa further strengthens the business case for satellite connectivity across all sectors. OneWeb LEO services will further enhance the connectivity options available to our B2B customers," remarked Hendrik Bezuidenhout, account director: key accounts, Q-KON

"Signing up as a OneWeb Partner with Q-KON makes perfect sense as it allows both companies and all our customers to benefit from synergies and added value across the board. African enterprise customers can now look forward to enjoying all the additional benefits of LEO satellite connectivity," commented Theo van Zyl, head of Wireless Solutions, Vox.

"At Vox, we’ve always based our growth on building partnerships with trusted technology companies. Now that we are a partner of the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO service through Q-KON, we can go to market with a full suite of connectivity options," stated Kathleen Morris, satellite product manager, Vox.

Orange, Telesat redefine global satellite connectivity

Orange partners with Telesat to enhance satellite connectivity via a Lightspeed Landing Station in France, improving global network resilience. (Image source: Adobe Stock)1

Global telecom leader Orange has entered into a strategic partnership with Telesat, a major satellite operator, to enhance satellite connectivity options

Through this agreement, Telesat will establish a Lightspeed Landing Station at Orange’s teleport in Bercenay-en-Othe, France. This station will connect to Orange’s Paris-based point of presence (PoP) via its Wholesale International Private Line (IPL). Additionally, Orange has committed to a capacity agreement for Telesat Lightspeed’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service, which will be incorporated into Orange’s global service portfolio for businesses and telecom providers.

Pioneering satellite partnership

Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of Orange Wholesale International, stated, "I’m greatly honored that Telesat has chosen Orange’s Bercenay-en-Othe Teleport as the first European gateway for their Telesat Lightspeed network. More than that, I’m excited by the new partnership that we’re entering into, which says much about the expertise of Orange Wholesale as a space network operator and our capacity to offer world-class ground infrastructure for the most advanced satellite constellations. We look forward to expanding our connectivity solutions with Telesat Lightspeed, enhancing the resilience of our network for mobile backhauling, crisis response, and remote connectivity."

Telesat’s Chief Commercial Officer, Glenn Katz, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, added, "This strategic partnership highlights our commitment to delivering resilient connectivity solutions through our advanced, fully integrated space and terrestrial infrastructure. We are honored that Telesat Lightspeed will help improve connectivity for Orange’s customers in remote areas in Europe, Africa, and other locations throughout the world. Our Telesat Lightspeed solution has been designed to meet telco standards, and we are pleased to have Orange, one of the largest global telcos, as a Telesat Lightspeed strategic partner."

Telesat Lightspeed’s Carrier Ethernet services will provide reliable, high-performance connectivity with service level agreements. Telecom operators will have the ability to configure and manage their services in real-time, dynamically allocating capacity without direct satellite operator intervention. The network is designed with a Zero-Trust Security Architecture, aligning with the latest industry security standards.

Orange operates ground stations in 26 countries and territories, with its Bercenay-en-Othe teleport playing a key role in delivering advanced connectivity solutions. This partnership strengthens Orange’s service offerings in underserved regions by integrating a secure, low-latency, and seamless satellite connectivity option into its existing multi-orbit satellite network.

By combining Telesat’s cutting-edge satellite innovations with Orange’s 45 years of expertise in gateway and connectivity services, this collaboration enhances global digital infrastructure resilience while furthering digital inclusion in remote areas.

Also read: Orange & Eutelsat’s bold plan: Internet everywhere?

Intelsat expands Africa Space STEM program

The initiative will now support schools in four African countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Intelsat, a leading operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, is expanding its collaboration with educational resource provider MaxIQ Space to enhance the reach of the Africa Space STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program

The initiative will now support schools in four African countries.

Now in its fifth year, the program will grow to include 12 schools and introduce in-person learning for students in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal.

Participants will benefit from hands-on, community-based learning led by subject matter experts, combining Space STEM curriculum with innovative STEM kits, interactive training, and exclusive resources. These elements will help integrate space science, sustainability, and IoT education into classrooms.

STEM empowerment

The newly adapted 2025 programme is designed to empower both schools and educators, creating a lasting impact on African education systems. It aims to equip thousands of students with the skills and inspiration necessary for STEM careers, ultimately fostering a future-ready workforce that advances national development goals and strengthens technological capabilities.

“As a pioneer in satellite technology, Intelsat remains committed to maximising its contribution by inspiring the next generation and connecting African students to real-world applications of space technology. We are continuously investing in state-of-the-art local satellite ground infrastructures across the continent, and we are honored to play a role in preparing the young generation for this future,” said Rhys Morgan, regional vice-president of the EMEA region for Intelsat.

“With Africa emerging as a key frontier for space infrastructure, it is essential to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive this transformation. Partnering with Intelsat to deliver the STEM program in Africa is an exciting opportunity to empower young minds and support the growth of technology and education in the region,” said Judi Sandrock, program manager at MaxIQ Space.

Orange & Eutelsat’s bold plan: Internet everywhere?

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This strategic collaboration focuses on providing broadband Internet access to remote areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) has joined forces with Eutelsat to enhance digital inclusion across Africa and the Middle East through satellite connectivity

This strategic collaboration focuses on providing broadband Internet access to remote areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in the region.

Under this multi-year agreement, Orange will leverage the advanced capabilities of the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to deliver reliable and high-speed Internet services. The initial rollout will cover Jordan, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans for gradual expansion to additional countries in the region.

Connectivity revolution?

By combining Orange’s extensive telecommunications expertise with Eutelsat’s cutting-edge satellite technology, the partnership will offer secure, high-performance connectivity tailored to both individual consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). The integration of satellite, fixed, and mobile technologies will help connect underserved areas and address the increasing demand for Internet services.

The collaboration will enable broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and with Orange’s infrastructure, it will:

Extend coverage to rural and underserved locations.
Provide tailored connectivity solutions for individuals and businesses.
Ensure secure, high-quality Internet access while adhering to national regulatory frameworks.

This initiative aligns with Orange’s long-term commitment to supporting digital transformation in the regions where it operates, utilising the most advanced technologies while fostering local ecosystems and complying with national regulations.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, emphasised, “This partnership illustrates our commitment to connecting all territories and bridging the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East.

Today, Orange serves more than 160 million customers in the region, and is pursuing its ambition to provide digital access for all. Drawing on our expertise and local roots, we are positioning ourselves as a key player in supporting evolving customer expectations, while guaranteeing sustainable connectivity that respects local legislation.”

Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, highlighted, “I am delighted with this strategic partnership between the Orange Group and Eutelsat Group, which is part of a long-term relationship. It is part of our strategy to offer our customers the best satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbit, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale's satellite factory has all the expertise required to implement this strategy for all Orange Group entities. We also offer satellite operators the terrestrial connectivity solutions they need, such as teleports or long-distance fiber.”

Cyril Dujardin, president of the connectivity business unit at Eutelsat, added, “Our satellite technology including GEO capacity, combined with Orange's local footprint, brings connectivity where it's needed most. Together, we're creating a robust solution to accessibility challenges, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.”

Qualcomm supports African tech

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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

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)