Intelsat S.A. has signed a new agreement with Liquid Telecom that will introduce high performance Intelsat EpicNG satellite services into the pan-African group’s network.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Liquid Telecom has committed to dedicated services on the Intelsat 33e satellite, which began operations earlier this year. The solution features ground networking equipment based upon the Newtec Dialog VSAT platform, including technology developed under the ESA-funded Project Indigo announced previously by Intelsat and Newtec.
By taking advantage of Intelsat’s high-throughput satellite (HTS) solutions, Liquid Telecom will be able to deliver more bandwidth with greater efficiency to meet the growing needs of businesses across Africa. The Intelsat EpicNG services will expand Liquid Telecom’s coverage and network capabilities across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, where demand has grown for VSAT technology to deliver connectivity to underserved remote or rural areas.
“Breakthroughs in technology continue to position satellite as a more compelling connectivity solution for businesses across Africa. By teaming with Intelsat, Liquid Telecom will be at the forefront of satellite communications, ensuring we can meet the future bandwidth needs of our customers no matter where they are in the region,” said Scott Mumford, Liquid Telecom’s Group Managing Executive of Satellite and VSAT.
Engineering work is currently underway and Liquid Telecom is expected to begin using the Intelsat EpicNG platform at the end of July.
Furthering the relationship between the companies, Liquid Telecom has been awarded a three-year contract from Intelsat to provide fibre backhaul and uplinking services from its South Africa teleport that will be integrated into the IntelsatOne network as Intelsat extends its managed services platform into Africa. The gateway service will enable Intelsat to accelerate the introduction of Intelsat EpicNG services.
“Teaming with Liquid Telecom will enhance their service platform and add to our capabilities as we build upon the footprint we’ve already established in the region,” said Brian Jakins, Intelsat’s Regional Vice President, Africa Sales. “We currently have the largest satellite presence in Africa, and with Intelsat 33e soon to be joined by Intelsat 35e and Intelsat 37e, two upcoming satellites in the Intelsat EpicNG program, we will expand our high throughput capabilities to benefit the entire continent.”
