Satellite

Gamze Aydin, senior vice-president of sales and South Africa country manager at Avanti. (Image source: Avanti Communications)

Avanti Communications, a leading global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions, has successfully conducted a satellite connectivity test with BankservAfrica, Africa’s largest automated clearing house, and Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s top retail banks

The successful completion of this connectivity test marks a significant step towards enhancing transactional security. It highlights the transformative potential of satellite communications in bolstering digital banking systems, paving the way for more resilient financial operations, reflective of a digitally mature and inclusive banking future.

Satellite connectivity test key findings:

Stable connectivity: The satellite connection demonstrated durability with consistent stability, a crucial factor in ensuring financial transactions are carried out without interruption on Avanti’s GEO Ka HTS satellite.

Mission critical application: Financial traffic was routed solely on the Avanti satellite link, showcasing Avanti’s link capability in handling mission-critical applications during the loss of terrestrial links or unstable connectivity caused by fibre cuts or power issues.

Effective production testing: High transaction volumes were efficiently managed during intensive production testing, underscoring the robustness of the satellite link.

Gamze Aydin, senior vice-president of sales and South Africa country manager at Avanti, commented, “With South Africa’s financial institutions facing the threats of power grid instabilities and undersea cable malfunctions, this test is a forerunner of strengthened operational resilience. By enabling direct satellite connection to European traffic hubs, Avanti’s solution reduces reliance on local infrastructure, which is prone to disruption. These tests not only validate the role of satellite technology as a steadfast, secure conduit for financial transactions but underscore its importance in maintaining operations in challenging conditions.”

The collaboration with BankservAfrica and Capitec represents a significant advancement in technological application.

“We participated in the connectivity test to determine the viability of using Satellite for additional resilience in the financial industry. The test was successful across all the critical measurement points. BankservAfrica is pleased to consider the inclusion of this technology across our Managed Network Solution,” added Ben Janse van Rensburg, chief technology officer at BankservAfrica.

This initiative is a major step towards reinforcing the resilience of financial services across Africa. The successful completion of the test is an important milestone, demonstrating the viability of satellite communication in maintaining stable and reliable transaction environments.

NIGCOMSAT partners with INFRATEL AFRICA to enhance rural connectivity and digital economy in Nigeria using satellite tech. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd continues to assert its leadership as a provider of satellite communications infrastructure by securing a new contract with INFRATEL AFRICA, a major telecom company engaged in a rural infrastructure backhaul project

This project will transition 100 locations to the NigComSat-1R Ka band hub platform, significantly enhancing rural connectivity and furthering the digital economy goals of the current administration.

Enhancing digital inclusion 

The NigComSat-1R satellite will support businesses by expanding telecom networks and improving connectivity solutions. Managing director NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, remarked, “The collaboration with INFRATEL AFRICA is a welcome development as NIGCOMSAT Ltd is now placed to claim its rightful position in the industry.”

"And together we are making significant progress in delivering services in the areas of Transponder lease, broadband internet, broadcast service and other turnkey solutions,’” Egerton-Idehen added at the signing of the agreement between the two companies.

The managing director noted that all the people she is currently working with, are all internal staff, which shows the level of competencies on ground. She assured INFRATEL AFRICA that NIGCOMSAT Ltd in recent time upgraded its infrastructure to meet the world standard for service delivery.

INFRATEL AFRICA is connecting unserved and underserved communities to the global digital landscape, promoting inclusivity and digital equality by leveraging its infrastructure, expertise, and technology as a leading telecommunication infrastructure service provider in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This, among other goals, is achieved by providing technology solutions to drive transformational services such as Agency Banking, Telemedicine, e-learning, e-government and Solar based cold rooms within the rural communities, utilising strategic alliances with technical partners to deliver value to clients and enhance communication across Africa, bridging gaps regardless of social class or location.

Eutelsat and Seraphim aim to enhance global connectivity, Earth observation, and data services. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Eutelsat Group has announced its participation in Seraphim Space’s second venture capital fund, SSV II

This investment is intended to drive technological innovation in the space industry by supporting the dynamic start-ups within Seraphim’s portfolio.

Innovating space connectivity

Through this collaboration, Eutelsat Group and Seraphim aim to enhance the development of advanced capabilities to address the increasing demand for global connectivity, Earth observation, and advanced data services. This investment highlights Eutelsat Group’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of innovation and backing emerging technologies poised to revolutionise the space sector.

SSV II will particularly emphasise the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for space data, in-orbit computing, and space-enabled communications.

Both Eutelsat Group and Seraphim Space are excited to embark on this promising partnership, setting the stage for significant advancements in the space industry and beyond.

“We are excited to invest into Seraphim Space, a leading global player in space technology investment. This partnership allows us to closely engage with groundbreaking companies, enhancing our capacity to innovate and deliver next-generation connectivity solutions. We look forward to working with Seraphim and its portfolio of start-ups to shape the future of satellite communications and space services,” said Guillaume Scottez, chief innovation officer at Eutelsat Group.

Mark Boggett, CEO of Seraphim Space, commented, “We are thrilled to strengthen Seraphim Space’s heavyweight industry and corporate backing with the addition of Eutelsat Group, a trailblaser in satellite communications and a strong advocate for NewSpace. We are looking forward to working together to amplify our ability to support pioneering space companies that are driving significant advancements in the space sector. Together, we are well-positioned to support the next wave of innovation in satellite infrastructure, services and beyond.”

Namibia Spaceport approved by Eos Capital, led by Q-KON Namibia, to boost satellite communication, enhance digital inclusion, and foster economic growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Namibia Spaceport project has received approval from Eos Capital, managers of the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF) 

Spearheaded by Q-KON Namibia, this innovative initiative signifies a major step forward for the country.

The project, known as the Namibia Spaceport, while not a traditional spaceport, will serve as a crucial hub for satellite communication networks, providing ground infrastructure and advanced services to global satellite operators. It will offer the following select services:

1) Ground Gateway Terminal Hosting: This involves providing essential infrastructure for hosting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation Ground Gateway Terminals. It includes land for antenna farms, civil works, fiber connectivity, power supply, facilities monitoring, equipment hosting, infrastructure services, and on-demand first-line support services.

2) Earth Observation Downlink Services: The project will facilitate the downloading of crucial data and images from orbiting satellites, enhancing earth observation capabilities and scientific research. Additionally, it will provide access to high-resolution satellite images in schools and universities, serving as a valuable educational resource. Students can utilise these images to analyze changes in land use, monitor deforestation, or study the impacts of climate change on various ecosystems.

3) Tracking, Telemetry, and Control (TT&C): The Spaceport will play a vital role in the African network of TT&C stations. These stations monitor and control satellites orbiting over the continent.

Fostering Namibian Innovation

“We anticipate announcing the next steps in the coming months,” remarked Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON.

Namibia’s minister of information and communications technology, Emma Theofelus, stated, "The Namibia Spaceport represents a monumental stride towards harnessing the vast potential of space technology for the growth of Namibia and Africa’s communication capabilities." She also noted that this project is a key component of Namibia’s National Space Science and Technology Policy, which was launched in June 2021.

“The project shows Namibia’s commitment to space exploration, innovation, and sustainable development. With a strategic focus on collaboration, capacity building, and technological advancement, the Namibia Spaceport will make our country a worthy player in the African space arena,” Theofelus explained.

Frederico Van Wyk, chief investment officer of Eos Capital, emphasised that approving the Namibia Spaceport project highlights their dedication to enhancing digital inclusion and connectivity throughout the country, promoting economic growth and innovation in Namibia. This investment aligns with NIDIF’s broader strategy to develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in the nation.

“This landmark initiative aligns with Eos Capital’s mission to facilitate strategic investments that propel Namibia into the future and earn positive returns to investors,” Van Wyk added.