iBurst expands its wireless satellite reach with SkyeVine

Issued by MicroZone PR for Q-KON
Johannesburg, 27 Sep 2012

Mouritz Snyder, Operations Manager of SkyeVine.

iBurst, an established service provider within the wireless Internet access and business communications solutions space, has extended the coverage of its wireless network as a result of a satellite access partnership with SkyeVine, a wholesale operator and provider of data broadband services for Africa.

SkyeVine provides licensed ISPs throughout sub-Saharan Africa with the ability to provide ubiquitous, prepaid, unshaped Internet coverage governed by a pricing model based on usage to their customers.

SkyeVine utilises New Dawn geostationary satellite infrastructure to ensure seamless coverage using a 1 metre subscriber terminal. This Internet gateway and teleport equipment is used to provide VSAT broadband connectivity across Africa.

As a satellite access partner, SkyeVine makes available technology that enables the user to bypass coverage restrictions, such as line-of-site and geographic obstructions that terrestrial wireless access is subject to.

As a gap-filler to meet iBurst's requirements to address last-mile connectivity and line-of-site issues plaguing terrestrial wireless, SkyeVine has reinforced iBurst's offering and the company's ability to offer subscribers competitive, affordable data and voice services using satellite.

iBurst leverages Skyevine's state-of-the-art Newtec Sat3Play infrastructure, using a remote terminal unit, which, in its compact form, provides an Ethernet interface to a PC or LAN router with a maximum transmit rates of 512kbps and receive rates of 10Mbps.

"A core component of this partnership means that we are able to broaden our portfolio of wireless packages and enhance service delivery to help business extract maximum benefit from investment in our diverse range of data and voice services," explains Zahir Khan, Head of Department for Product at iBurst.

According to iBurst, SkyeVine has met all requirements and provided it with the benefit of complete visibility of customers' devices on the network.

It has also facilitated the complete merge of iBurst's billing system onto its backbone system.

Khan explains that one of the core advantages of this alliance is extended coverage into remote areas - those that generally fall outside the service areas of fixed- and mobile-line operators.

Mouritz Snyder, Operations Manager of SkyeVine, says the partnership adds significant value to the company's ongoing mission to extend the value of VSAT broadband connectivity.

This expanded service portfolio also eliminates the need for increased base station connectivity, which is costly to set up and sustain, as well as the backhaul of data from the station to core network, he says.

Through established partnerships with leading ICT entities including Business Connexion, Intelsat, Newtec and iBurst, SkyeVine is well-positioned to add immediate value to the market.

The relationship with iBurst is the latest development to reflect this leadership position.

SkyeVine

SkyeVine is a joint venture company that has been established to provide DTHi (Direct to Home Internet) to the sub-Saharan market. Its aim is to overcome infrastructure-related obstacles present in the African market with the introduction of satellite broadband that is cost-effective, reliable and readily available - how you want it, when you want it, where you want it.

SkyeVine, together with the strength of Q-KON's engineering capability and its experience in managing networks in the emerging African telecommunications market, and Ellies Holding, the leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of satellite-related products in southern Africa, provides for a winning solution.

Its mission is to provide a ubiquitous Internet service to Africa and to create a new standard of broadband service through the use of advanced satellite technology. For more information, please visit www.skyevine.com.

Q-KON

Q-KON is a first tier satellite network provider, turnkey telecommunications solution provider and the distributor of the .NET and Xiplink product ranges.

For more than 20 years, Q-KON has followed successful strategies to establish advance technologies in challenging environments and to unlock real business benefits for its customers and partners. Effectively integrating its commanding capability in niche, wireless and satellite technologies with an intuitive understanding and appreciation of the African market, Q-KON has conquered many business impossibilities.

Since its inception, Q-KON has distinguished itself in providing solutions and services supported by long-term relationships and continued value-add. Today, Q-KON can proudly look back at 24 years' of engineering achievements throughout Africa underwritten by sound business practices and long-term ethical relationships. Q-KON serves the South African market through Q-KON SA, a subsidiary based in Gauteng, and the rest-of-Africa market through its Q-KON Africa subsidiary.

Web: www.qkon.com

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