Satellite Equipment Helps Provide Secure and Connected Elections in Burkina Faso

27 November 2012

Satellite equipment provider Newtec has supplied a VSAT system and IP satellite modems to Burkina Faso, enabling flexible satellite connectivity for the upcoming municipal and legislative elections set to take place on December 2, 2012.

The equipment will facilitate ‘always on’ connectivity between 45 remote electoral district offices which serve as the hubs for 14,698 polling stations across the West African country and the central election office in the capital, Ouagadougou. The system will be used for video conferencing and surveillance, Internet access and fast and secure communication of ballots.

The elections are being administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante, CENI) with SES Broadband Services delivering the full service via its 5 degrees East orbital position.

“It is an honor for our technology to be used to facilitate the electoral process in Burkina Faso,” said Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec. “Satellite is the most affordable communication technology with seamless coverage of the whole country. Our equipment will provide essential connectivity between the remote polling sites, allowing for fast, efficient and secure communication between provinces and CENI’s central office. It will also be available for government-led activities across the country after the elections.”

Earlier this year Newtec announced it had successfully tested its new high speed Ka Band broadband technology for Europe’s most successful satellite broadband service, also provided by SES Broadband Services. Well over 100.000 Ku Band terminals have already been shipped and it is now providing next generation Ka Band terminals for a new generation of quicker services.

The hub also supplied by Newtec, required for the service in Burkina Faso, is situated at SES Broadband Services teleport site in Luxemburg.

“The SES Broadband service ensures reliable and secure connectivity for institutional applications. In addition our services have the advantage of quick and cost effective deployment in very rural areas,” commented Patrick Biewer, Managing Director, SES Broadband Services. “Newtec’s technology is a key component of our service in this project.”