Not just satellite, not just wireless ...
Cable
is important in Africa, and always will be, particularly when connecting
the peripheral cities to each other and to the rest of the world.
The cost of laying cable makes the technology prohibitive in some
areas and that's where satellite and other terrestrial networks
dominate. However, new satellite projects - Intelsat New Dawn as
well as O3b (backed by Google) - promise a dedicated service for
Africa, with low latency and flexibility to meet increasing demand.
The demand for high quality and reliable connectivity in Africa
is incredibly high so the satellite or cable question does not have
to be an either / or; Africa needs both. Gateway leads the way in
pan-African communications by taking a hybrid approach - providing
networks that link satellite and wireless systems with cellular,
cable, internet, and telephone networks.
While this requires increased investment, a more diverse skill set,
a range of equipment and management systems for multiple networks
- the results are worth it. The hybrid approach means that we tailor
solutions to customers using a blend of technologies to provide
a communications infrastructure that meets their requirements exactly.
In Nigeria, for example, Gateway's award-winning product AirLink
utilises a 10.5 gig spectrum for access to high speed wireless broadband
which is connected to the rest of the world on the Sat 3 sub-sea
cable. Two technologies are blended together to provide a solution
that works for the Nigerian market where customers need connectivity
into major city centres and rural areas.
In the DRC, however, the case would be different. A hybrid approach
means we can supply cellular backhaul by satellite, which then moves
on to microwave for terrestrial links, with last mile provision
over fibre in Kinshasa.
As a telecommunications provider it is about being able to offer
a complete range of solutions to fit our customers' needs. From
a technology standpoint, we believe that satellite, fibre and wireless
all have a part to play in building Africa's communications network
- and we have extensive plans to continue to be part of it. |
Belgium