Eutelsat to Offer Ku-Band Satellite Broadband Services into Africa Using Newtec’s Technology

 

9 September 2011

Skylogic, has selected leading satellite communications specialist Newtec in a significant contract to supply its Sat3Play® hub technology. To be installed at Skylogic’s Sardinia teleport, Newtec’s technology will operate via Eutelsat Ku-band satellite capacity to ramp up the group’s response to rapidly growing broadband markets in Africa.

With capacity commercialised on 27 satellites providing coverage across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia as well as the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's leading satellite operators.

Sat3Play is a two-way satellite broadband system designed to deliver IP-based services for ISPs wanting to offer competitive data, voice and optional television services in areas where insufficient terrestrial broadband connectivity is available.

“With the cost-efficient Newtec Sat3Play hub and end-user terminal technology, we will be able to further broaden the scope of satellite broadband connectivity at very attractive service fees for SOHOs, SMEs and consumers in western and central Africa,” said Arduino Patacchini, CEO of Skylogic, Eutelsat’s broadband subsidiary.

Patacchini added: “Several of Africa’s leading ISPs have shown clear interest in distributing this service, which is set to become operational later this year. We will provide connectivity services on a wholesale basis to African ISPs, while Newtec will deliver its Sat3Play end-user terminals directly to user ISPs.”

Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, said: “Our cost efficient Sat3Play terminals include both FlexACM® technology as well as the revolutionary 4CPM modulation. This translates into a reliable, fast and cost effective service offering for Eutelsat’s customers in Africa.”