SA-based systems integrator Q-Kon has launched a C-band platform, iDirect, using the Intelsat IS 10-02 satellite to bring Internet access to business users in Africa, says Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-Kon.
He says the iDirect service footprint will cover all of Africa. "The service uses the hemi-beam on the Intelsat IS 10-02 satellite, launched in June 2004, which has coverage over the whole of Africa in a single beam.
"Q-Kon has secured more than 40Mbps of bandwidth for an undisclosed amount, enough capacity for the iDirect platform, which will cover the first 100 sites. Anything more than this will be contracted."
De Wet says the platform requires 1.8m, 5W antennae, anywhere in Africa, and will be able to accommodate multinational organisations and enterprise markets, which previously could only be serviced with more expensive 2.4m or 3.8m systems and advanced equipment.
The iDirect service is structured for the corporate market, as it includes voice and corporate data services.
He says it is integrated with terrestrial services to provide connectivity from the teleport to the customer head office site in SA and Europe.
"The service is not suited for cyber caf'es and ISPs as they are high-demanding user groups who often negatively affect the services for other premium users."
He adds that the platform is built to accommodate larger end-to-end office networks, including telephone and IT networks to complement and strengthen the African business sector.
De Wet notes that C-band in equatorial Africa is an appropriate choice, as it is not that weather-sensitive. The alternative Ku-Band services have developed a reputation for erratic performance due to cloud cover.
The market for international Internet bandwidth in Africa has grown rapidly in the last five years, he notes. De Wet believes Q-Kon can unlock more opportunities on the continent with careful and diligent business policies.
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