From May this year, the deal will provide voice and broadband connectivity to Airtel’s customers in 17 African countries through Thuraya’s satellite network.
The deal will allow the operator to extend services into remote areas, where providing coverage is otherwise difficult and expensive.
“This partnership enables us to further extend our coverage and services for businesses and general consumers who live or work in very remote areas,” said Christian De Faria, CEO of Airtel Africa.
He added that Thuraya’s satellite network would be designed to bridge the digital divide by providing a cost-effective way for Airtel to extend its coverage.
“Thuraya’s partnership with Airtel Africa is a very positive development in bridging the digital divide in Africa,” said Samer Halawi, CEO at Thuraya. “We recognise the massive impact that access to reliable communications can have on the lives of ordinary people.”
Network specialist Ciena announced last month that it has upgraded Bharti Airtel’s i2i submarine network, which connects India and Singapore.
