Satellite equipment company MzansiSat, has said it stands ready to help unlock South Africa’s development and economic potential by assisting to address the need for connectivity in the farthest-reaching regions of the country.
According to MzansiSat, to stimulate the economic growth potential of South Africa, it is imperative that South African consumers have Internet connectivity. Victor Stephanopoli, COO, MzansiSat said the company is ready to provide fast, reliable satellite infrastructure to the South African telecommunications stakeholders.
He said the plight of many South Africans is the hassles associated with providers digging up pavements in order for fibre lines to be laid in a bid to further enable connectivity in urban areas.
Stephanopoli explained that Satellite broadband technology presents a more stable connectivity link that is not influenced by factors such as breakage or other terrestrial impacts. “As satellites are orbiting in the atmosphere, there is a notable difference in where satellite connectivity can reach as opposed to that of physical cable. If you can see the sky, you can be connected,” he enthused.
He added that the costs of broadband via satellite technology makes economic sense, especially when considering outlying areas and the ability to connect South Africans with the rest of the world in an affordable way.
“The technology is there to enable the efficient connectivity of the African continent with the rest of the world. The more stakeholders appreciate the potential that this technology holds the closer we will get to seeing roll-out becoming a reality,” he pointed out.
MzansiSat is currently working with various investors and stakeholders to make the widespread connection of South Africa a reality.
Stephanopoli sadded that the company is aiming to launch its satellite in the near future. “Our mission is to provide affordable stable satellite broadband to the southern African market, and we know that by utilising satellite broadband technology, more South Africans can have easier access to the outside world, increasing their potential and thus growing the South African economy,” he said.
The World Bank’s The Broadband for All Working Group’s report released recently revealed that African countries will need to bring about 1.1 billion more people online, stating that the working-age population in Africa is expected to increase by some 450 million people between 2015 and 2035.
