South African based pan-African satellite network operator, IP Direct, has announced that its network will be operational by December, although the full commercial launch will take place early in 2004.
The company aims to offer reliable, cost-effective broadband connectivity for data, Internet access and voice over IP services that will be suitable for business, government and residential customers in African markets.
According to David Keast, director of corporate development for IP Direct, the company`s business model has been tried and tested in Europe and the US, and is specifically adapted for the African market.
"Our offering is aimed at extending access of the global village to a broader market in Africa. Dial-up has reached saturation in many African countries, and alternate technologies are either expensive or not extensively available," says Keast.
"IP Direct wants to establish itself as the dominant player in each market we enter by making access and services readily available."
He says IP Direct is the only network provider in the region that has the satellite provider as one of its key shareholders, which gives the company a head start on its rivals.
The three initial investors in the project are SES Astra, operator of one of Europe`s leading satellite systems; local institutional investor, the Industrial Development Corporation; and founding shareholder, Africa Venture Partners, an SA-based investment and management firm.
Robert Tibbs, CEO of IP Direct, says the company will use its partnerships, global expertise and sizeable financial resources to deploy a satellite network, which will offer retail and wholesale broadband services to Africa.
"We plan to be operational in 10 countries by 2006, starting in West Africa and later expanding into east and southern Africa," says Tibbs.
"We are convinced that our customised, scalable two-way satellite services respond to a real market demand across Africa, and are committed to tap that market, together with strong and experienced regional partners."
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