Eutelsat Signs GEO/LEO Deal in South Africa

Eutelsat’s headquarters in Paris. Photo: Eutelsat

Eutelsat continues to make progress as it looks to offer service providers a combination of Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) services. Paratus South Africa, a specialist connectivity provider, and Eutelsat OneWeb have partnered to enhance Paratus’ connectivity offering in South Africa. The two companies announced the new deal on Jan. 19.

Paratus South Africa already provides GEO satellite services through its long-standing partnership with Eutelsat Group and this new agreement further strengthens its satellite connectivity services through a combined GEO/LEO offering to address businesses operating in remote parts of the country, notably retail, banking, mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Under this latest agreement, Eutelsat OneWeb services have been integrated within the Paratus core fiber network covering over 20,000 kms across Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling Paratus South Africa to offer unique high-capacity connectivity solutions to its customers.

“Introducing the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO service is a momentous step for the telecommunications industry in South Africa. As a nation, we are embracing the future of connectivity, transcending geographical boundaries, and enabling opportunities like never before. As satellite experts, we are uniquely placed to empower more and more people and businesses in South Africa with this landmark partnership,” Kallie Carlsen, managing director of Paratus South Africa, said in a statement.