Zimbabwean incumbent TelOne has signed an extension to its connectivity contract with Avanti.
TelOne will use up-weighted capacity from Avanti’s HYLAS 2 satellite to meet huge demand for satellite broadband services among its consumer, enterprise and public sector customer base.
As Zimbabwe’s sole fixed telecoms services provider, TelOne delivers services to the entire market across Zimbabwe. The provider is deploying Avanti’s satellite connectivity to complement its existing broadband offering across a diverse customer base, largely where communications infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
TelOne’s Ka-band satellite broadband offering has already been deployed across the enterprise sector in verticals such as mining; public sector programmes such as national parks, schools, clinics and hospitals; and directly to consumers and businesses of all sizes. As an example of scale, the provider has signed over 300 schools for high speed broadband connectivity to date.
Chipo Mtasa, Managing Director at TelOne, commented: “Our contract has enabled us to address Zimbabwe’s gaping digital divide [with] market-leading broadband packages which support our mission of providing universal, affordable internet access in Zimbabwe.”
“Satellite continues to play a huge role in bringing communities, businesses and public sector organisations online. Increased bandwidth capacity will enable rapid broadband rollout, finally addressing demand that for so long has remained unmet”, she added.
Matthew O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer at Avanti Communications, commented: “With high levels of quality and flexibility built-in to Avanti’s technology and commercial offering, we can provide our partners with a unique and competitive satellite advantage. TelOne’s rapid deployment of nationwide broadband has brought 100% availability to Zimbabwe.”
