Satellite company SES Astra has committed to providing improved access to broadband and broadcast connectivity across Africa by increasing its satellite capacity to 30 transponders; an investment of R2 billion.
The company currently runs six transponders on its Astra 4A spacecraft. However, with the launch of its new spacecraft, Astra 4B, in the second half of 2011, the company expects to add another 24 transponders.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the SatCom 2010 conference, SES Astra COO, Alexander Oudendjik, explained: “Africa's vast distances and wide open spaces, as well as predominantly rural landscape, pose unique challenges for content distribution, communication and connectivity on this continent.”
He argued that satellite-based broadband was the more viable option to terrestrial and transatlantic fibre connections, which have little or no reach. Oudendjik said it would take many years and much investment to bring cable to market, although it's unlikely this would happen.
The cost of last mile cable infrastructure to the home is very high, as opposed to wireless access which has proven to the best solution, he added. To this end, Africa offers huge market potential for satellite, which is cheap and offers quick connectivity to Internet as well as VOIP.
SES Astra already delivers a satellite-based broadband service, Astra2Connect, which is marketed in 30 counties in central, east and west Africa. Astra2Connect will also be launched in SA but the date is yet to be finalised.
In broadcasting, SES Astra is partnering with key industry players like the new pay-TV provider ODM ('Top TV') as well as with manufacturers and distributors. It also offers technical services to broadcasters and institutions through its wholly owned affiliates Astra Platform Services and ND SatCom.
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