Konnect Africa is attempting to do just that … connect Africa, with products aligned with the preferences and habits of end-users. Konnect Africa's focus offers a double objective: to be a partner of choice on the continent and to demonstrate how satellite technology is currently and the most relevant solution for unlocking access to the Internet in Africa.
With new-generation services beginning in Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Uganda, Konnect Africa is confirming its ambitions for Sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s service offerings and products, include packaged offers inspired by ‘pay as you go’ models and Wi-Fi hotspots schemes, have already convinced a number of local operators, telecom companies and resellers. With products aligned with the preferences and habits of end-users, Konnect Africa is making a strong push with a double objective: to be a partner of choice on the continent and to demonstrate how satellite technology is today the most relevant solution for unlocking access to the Internet in Africa.
Konnect Africa’s first partners include a wide range of operators, each with its specific DNA:
- AfrikaNet GoSat, already active in the broadband-based Internet telephone, VOIP options and provision of customer support and services in the satellite telecommunications industry in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire;
- Bentley Walker, known notably for designing efficient solutions for government and military customers with a Pan-African footprint;
- Bloosat, a leader in satellite services in Cameroon and Central Africa;
- China Telecom (Africa and Middle East), that is establishing communications link between the African continent and the Asia-Pacific region;
- Coollink, a leading player in Nigeria with a broad portfolio of services addressing enterprise and consumer needs;
- Global Broadband Solution, a leader in Internet and data solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.;
- Ubora Systems, that focuses on IT solutions for government and administrations and business automation in Kenya;
- Terrace Projects, a managed satellite service solution provider in South Africa.
Leveraging expertise and knowledge, these partnerships reflect Konnect Africa’s approach to adapt to the specifics of each market to reach out to a vast audience. Wi-Fi hotspot access can be available for a few cents, family offers are being optimized for a few dozens of dollars, while high grade corporate services are also proposed to enable videoconferencing, storage, audio-visual content development and safe and reliable communication. Konnect Africa aims to give its partners the means to succeed with each relevant segment, through dedicated commercial, marketing and technical support. The company will also train and reward local installers to enhance service quality and drive more talent into the industry.
“This initiative echoes a broad ambition. Connecting Africa means changing the way people live, study, perform business, and transforming daily life. We aim to take broadband further and closer to multiple development sectors such as the healthcare system, education, agriculture or SMEs”, explained Laurent Grimaldi, Chief Executive Officer of Konnect Africa. “We are proud to partner with prominent players and excited to embark on this truly unique venture”, he added.
Unlike mobile wireless or fiber technologies, satellite broadband does not depend on terrestrial infrastructure and literally comes ‘from above’. It is determined to be the best approach to provide populations in remote locations with access to efficient, cost-effective and easy-to-install Internet solutions. Konnect Africa’s is an affiliate of Eutelsat.
