The construction of the Gateway Earth Station (GES) in Hartebeesthoek, which commenced in April, will be completed in August, says the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
GES is a terrestrial link to satellite data communications company Orbcomm's network of low-Earth orbit satellites.
According to the CSIR Satellite Applications Centre, which was awarded the contract to build the GES for Orbcomm within SA, the satellite will offer local companies low-cost, near real-time, two-way machine-to-machine (M2M) satellite communications.
With the GES, says the CSIR, customers will have access to the worldwide operation with a single airtime agreement and no roaming charges.
“Orbcomm's expanding network of ground infrastructure makes it possible for international and local value-added resellers (VARs) and original equipment manufacturers to develop a product with a single global standard,” says the organisation.
The station will consist of two radomes with enclosed VHF tracking antennas, one of which is largely redundant, and associated pedestals, controllers and radio equipment, an uninterruptible power source and back-up generator.
Marc Eisenberg, Orbcomm CEO, says the GES in SA will fill one of the last remaining key pieces of geography needed for its near ubiquitous coverage. “It provides our international VARs and original equipment manufacturers, many of which already have distribution in the southern portions of Africa, a new outlet to provide Orbcomm-enabled services.“ He adds that it also creates an opportunity for new sales channels with local providers.
Orbcomm says it will offer coverage to provide a solution for mobile and fixed applications in SA and surrounding areas, many of which are under-served by terrestrial networks.
The company signed an agreement with the CSIR for the establishment, installation and maintenance operation at the site.
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