SES Forms New Partnership to Expand Connectivity in Central Africa

Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic. Photo: Brookings.

SES and Orange Central African Republic announced an agreement to provide connectivity services in the Central African Republic. Orange will use SES’ IP Transit solution to deliver faster 3G services and better-quality internet connections for enterprises. SES will provide connectivity using its Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) fleet and ground infrastructure.

“A satellite-based solution is ideal for a country like Central African Republic, with its challenging terrain and lack of terrestrial infrastructure, resulting in low internet penetration,” said Corinne Loze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Orange Central African Republic.

Orange Central African Republic is one of the major telecom operators in the Central African Republic. Present in the country since 2007, it has deployed a mobile and internet network in Bangui and other parts of the country. It was the first operator to launch 3G+ mobile internet in 2013 in the country, and the first operator to launch mobile banking services with its Orange Money service, according to the company.