Eutelsat Group has a fleet of 35 GEO satellites and a constellation of more than 600 LEO satellites. (Image source: OneWeb)

Eutelsat Group and Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group, have entered into a multi-year agreement to utilise Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity from Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation

This partnership is designed to meet the connectivity demands of enterprises and cellular backhaul, delivering reliable solutions to improve network performance and customer experience across Africa.

Expanding network coverage 

As Africa's leading digital and infrastructure service provider, Bayobab will use Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation to offer fixed connectivity services. These advanced satellite solutions aim to enhance coverage in rural areas, delivering high-quality connectivity with reduced latency. The rollout is expected to be completed across the continent by December 2024, with services already active in four African countries.

Cyril Dujardin, co-president of the Eutelsat Group Connectivity Business Unit, commented, "We are proud to count Bayobab and the broader MTN Group amongst Africa’s early adopters of the Eutelsat/OneWeb LEO constellation. This partnership underscores the commitment of both Eutelsat and Bayobab to drive digital inclusion, and the pertinence of innovative satellite solutions to achieve this aim, notably the unique properties of ubiquitous, low latency LEO capacity.”

Frédéric Schepens, CEO of Bayobab, added, "At Bayobab, we're passionate about being at the forefront of harnessing technology to empower people and businesses across Africa. Our partnership with Eutelsat and the integration of OneWeb's LEO satellite services into our solutions is a testament to this commitment. This collaboration brings cutting-edge digital connectivity to even the most remote corners of the continent and reaffirms our promise of 'Connecting Africa' – a promise rooted in partnership and driven by a vision of a digitally inclusive future."

This collaboration between Eutelsat and Bayobab represents a significant advancement in bridging Africa’s digital divide. The deployment and integration of LEO satellite technology will provide improved connectivity solutions, empowering communities across the continent.

This three-month partnership aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of broadcasting services for BON members across the country. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has joined forces with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) to deliver uplink services via the NIGCOMSAT satellite network

This three-month partnership aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of broadcasting services for BON members across the country.

This initiative aligns with the goals of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, under the leadership of Minister Bosun Tijani. NIGCOMSAT plans to leverage its cutting-edge satellite technology to support and elevate the capabilities of BON and its associated organisations.

Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, the managing director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, expressed that the company is at the forefront of digital transformation and connectivity enhancement in Nigeria. She emphasised that this collaboration with BON will elevate the nation's broadcasting sector and extend the advantages of satellite technology to millions of Nigerians.

The technical teams from NIGCOMSAT and BON will collaborate closely to integrate their systems, ensuring a smooth transition. This partnership will enhance access to broadcasting services for more Nigerians, including those in rural and underserved regions, thereby promoting high-quality media content and connecting the nation more effectively.