Most people would agree that ADSL service is the preferred option for data connectivity, certainly from a cost, availability and performance point of view. And it would be considered unlikely that satellite service can offer better value than ADSL services. However, for the correct application - underwritten by the most suited billing model - satellite is actually 25% of the cost of ADSL and can offer twice the performance, says Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON.
Question then is: how is this possible when everybody considers satellite to be so expensive?
To understand the real advantages of satellite technology, let us consider the ultimate satellite application - television broadcast services.
The majority of us will agree that the use of satellite as a communication medium to provide multiple TV channels to millions of subscribers is absolutely the best option - and that within the African context, it is very unlikely that cable TV or any other medium will ever become a more effective communication medium to distribute TV channels.
This is then a perfect example of the ultimate strength of satellite technology, ie the broadcasting of content from a single source to a large number of destinations (or subscribers).
In the IP context, we can thus expect similar advantages when we applied satellite technology to broadcast content from a single source to multiple destinations - as is applicable in digital signage networks or distant education applications.
If we then consider the cost of distributing a 100MB file every day to 200 remote locations, then the cost for an ADSL network will be R6 000, using an average rate for ADSL of R10/GB, while the cost for a satellite content distribution network will only be R1 500, using a cost of R500/GB.
At the same time, the satellite network could quite readily distribute the content at a speed of 10Mbps while ADSL average is around 4Mbps.
Satellite communication networks can thus provide excellent value propositions when applied within the correct applications and underwritten by the specific billing models.
In our experience, specific billing model innovation and billing model research satellite services can be very attractive solutions for data communication networks.
If we consider the implications of a continuous demand for cost-effective, reliable connectivity in Africa, there is a case for serious consideration of the power and performance of satellite.
This is because satellite lends itself as a mechanism to facilitate cost-effective, practical connectivity throughout Africa. It is specifically relevant for remote or technically under-resourced areas throughout the continent.
We continue to see evidence of the remarkable difference this technology continues to make in the lives of ordinary people.
* Article first published on itweb.africa
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Q-KON
Q-KON is a 1st tier satellite network provider, turnkey telecommunication 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.
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