The JUPITER system by Hughes Network Systems, will deliver internet connectivity to consumers as well as small-to-medium sized enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa. Under the terms of the agreement, the latest generation of JUPITER gateway and hundreds of high- speed customer terminals to be implemented.
"The JUPITER System provides Intersat with a significant competitive edge as we expand affordable, high-speed SkyFi service throughout Africa," said Hanif Kassam, chief executive officer, Intersat. "In our search for the right partner, we concluded that Hughes provides the most technologically advanced platform with unmatched depth of experience in working closely with customers and end-users."
The Hughes JUPITER System has been designed to the advanced DVB-S2X industry standard, enabling high capacity and efficiency for any satellite broadband implementation. In addition, optimal use of high-throughput satellite (HTS) bandwidth gives operators significant cost and performance advantages.
"Our agreement with Intersat is testament to the efficiency and performance of our JUPITER system, the most widely deployed VSAT platform in the world," added Dharmendra Singh, assistant vice president, International Division at Hughes. "We look forward to the start of this new partnership and to delivering the social and economic benefits of high-speed Internet access to customers of Intersat and its reseller partners."
Intersat joins existing operators across six continents that have successfully deployed the JUPITER system to power services across more than 40 satellites. This includes C-band, Ku-band or Ka-band—including broadband Internet/Intranet access, community Wifi hotspots, cellular backhaul and airborne services.
Back in September, Hughes Network Systems entered satellite deals with Australia’s Optus – owned by Singtel – and with Algérie Telecom in North Africa. For the Algerian contract, Hughes will provide its Jupiter system to allow Algérie Telecom Satellite (ATS) to offer satellite broadband service to home users and small-and-medium enterprise customers. In Australia, Optus Satellite will purchase Jupiter System equipment to extend 3G and 4G services and lay the foundation for 5G services.
