[Satellite TODAY 09-14-09] SES signed a signed agreement with Intersat Africa, a provider of satellite-based Internet services, to expand the reach of its satellite-based Astra2Connect broadband service to Africa, SES announced Sept. 11
     The service will start in January 2010 and will be offered to households, small and medium businesses, and schools.  
     Capacity will be provided by SES World Skies’ NSS-12 satellite. Astra2Connect will be sold in ten countries in East and Central Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda and the  Democratic Republic of Congo.
     Astra2Connect’s technology manufacturer, Newtec, will supply Intersat Africa with the respective satellite broadband user terminals based on the Sat3Play technology.
     “East Africa has recently been connected to the Information Superhighway on submarine fiber, but unfortunately only the users in urban areas will benefit from this Internet revolution. The last mile connectivity is still a challenge and this is where SES’ broadband service and satellite capacity fit in. The ASTRA2Connect service also complements our Rural Internet Kiosk (RIK) program which will empower thousands of Africans with high-speed Internet,” said Abdul Bakhrani, CEO of Intersat Africa, in a statement.

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