UUNET SA is implementing its satellite-based IP backbone in Africa with the initial implementation of a basic network infrastructure for Internet access in central Africa, taking place during Q3 2002.
This is the first step in UUNET SA`s decision to develop packaged satellite business solutions for the market compared to that of a range of reactive, customised solutions.
Sean Victor, satellite services product manager at UUNET SA, says: "We have experienced an exponential increase in the demand for satellite connectivity from multinationals wishing to expand into Africa, specifically in vertical sectors such as financial, petroleum, transport, communication and business services. Once we began to realise the market potential for introducing business solutions based on satellite technology, UUNET SA began to develop a complete product set to service specific market needs."
Broadband access satellite services such as those being offered by UUNET SA will find acceptance in Africa as cost-effective alternatives to solutions such as DSL and cable modem services which are not available in the continent.
"The ability to offer value-added corporate services is key to UUSAT`s success in Africa. It will enable companies to rapidly establish points of presence in the market, offering high levels of service to end-users irrespective of geographic location, while offering customers the ability to scale bandwidth," says Victor.
"The recent reports that I have studied appear to concur that the total worldwide opportunity for broadband satellite service providers will reach $27 billion by 2008. This demonstrates that the market needs a cohesive product set that will enable customers, particularly in Africa, to take advantage of the benefits of satellite services," concludes Victor.
UUNET SA, a WorldCom company, is southern Africa`s only pan-African provider of Internet-based network services and is the largest global carrier of Internet traffic. The company provides Internet connectivity and corporate network services to major corporations as well as access services to Internet service providers.
All UUNET SA products and services are delivered within the required regulatory conditions.
For more information, please visit the UUNET SA Web site on www.uunet.co.za.
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