This multi-year deal for LEO capacity will address enterprise and cellular backhaul applications, as well as underline the role of innovative satellite solutions to drive digital inclusion in Africa.
Paris/Dubai, 15 August 2024 – Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL), and Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group (JSE: MTN; NYSE: MTNOY), are pleased to announce a multi-year agreement for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity on Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation. This collaboration aims to address the connectivity needs for enterprises and cellular backhaul, providing reliable solutions to enhance network performance and customer experience across the continent.
Bayobab, Africa's leading digital and infrastructure service provider, will leverage Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation to deliver fixed connectivity services. By improving coverage in rural areas, these innovative satellite solutions will provide high-quality connectivity and reduced latency. The roll-out roadmap will see implementation completed across the continent by December 2024, with services already available in four African countries.
Cyril Dujardin, Co-President of the Eutelsat Group Connectivity Business Unit said: "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, Bayobab’s Chief Executive Officer 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."
The partnership between Eutelsat and Bayobab marks a step forward in bridging the digital divide in Africa. The deployment and integration of LEO satellite technology will provide enhanced connectivity solutions that will empower communities across the continent.
