Source: http://www.fm.co.za/scitech/2012/08/01/satellite-internet-services
The cost-effective provision of broadband Internet to even the remotest parts of SA is being given a big boost this week with the launch of the Hylas 2 satellite by Avanti Communications.
"It will make a dramatic difference in bringing costs down and raising quality," says David Williams, CEO of Avanti, a UK-based supplier of satellite Internet services.
Being the first satellite serving Africa to use the Ka band gives Hylas 2 its cost and quality edge. The Ka band enables Hylas 2 to transmit at 30GHz, which provides far higher data capacity than lower-frequency bands, says Williams. For example, he says 30GHz provides 10 times more capacity than 3GHz cellular 3G broadband.
"We are able to deliver a 16MB/s Internet service to small users using a satellite dish costing US$100," says Williams. "For large organisations speeds are up to 300MB/s, and we guarantee 99,9% availability."
SA has been allocated 20% of Hylas 2's capacity, he says. Other target markets are Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Turkey. Avanti sells through Internet service providers and expects that Hylas 2's capacity will be fully taken up within four years.
Hylas 2 represents a hefty £280m investment, which Williams feels will be well-rewarded over the satellite's 15-year life. For example, he says, revenue of about £4m/year will cover the capital and operating portion of the investment committed to SA (£56m). Revenue of around £8m/year is targeted from SA.
Hylas 2 is one of a growing number of satellites serving Africa's Internet market. Among those recently launched was Intelsat's New Dawn, in which SA firm Convergence Partners has a 10% stake. New Dawn uses the Ku band with a frequency of about 12GHz.
Hylas 2 is a welcome addition, believes Arthur Goldstuck, MD of technology research firm World Wide Worx. "There is definitely room for it," he says. "The more participants there are, the more competitive pricing will become."
Satellites are vital if African countries, including SA, are to provide broadband Internet services to their populations, particularly those in rural areas where terrestrial services are uneconomic, says Williams. "There is a desperate need for high-quality communications in Africa," he says.
The cost-effective provision of broadband Internet to even the remotest parts of SA is being given a big boost this week with the launch of the Hylas 2 satellite by Avanti Communications.
"It will make a dramatic difference in bringing costs down and raising quality," says David Williams, CEO of Avanti, a UK-based supplier of satellite Internet services.
Being the first satellite serving Africa to use the Ka band gives Hylas 2 its cost and quality edge. The Ka band enables Hylas 2 to transmit at 30GHz, which provides far higher data capacity than lower-frequency bands, says Williams. For example, he says 30GHz provides 10 times more capacity than 3GHz cellular 3G broadband.
"We are able to deliver a 16MB/s Internet service to small users using a satellite dish costing US$100," says Williams. "For large organisations speeds are up to 300MB/s, and we guarantee 99,9% availability."
SA has been allocated 20% of Hylas 2's capacity, he says. Other target markets are Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Turkey. Avanti sells through Internet service providers and expects that Hylas 2's capacity will be fully taken up within four years.
Hylas 2 represents a hefty £280m investment, which Williams feels will be well-rewarded over the satellite's 15-year life. For example, he says, revenue of about £4m/year will cover the capital and operating portion of the investment committed to SA (£56m). Revenue of around £8m/year is targeted from SA.
Hylas 2 is one of a growing number of satellites serving Africa's Internet market. Among those recently launched was Intelsat's New Dawn, in which SA firm Convergence Partners has a 10% stake. New Dawn uses the Ku band with a frequency of about 12GHz.
Hylas 2 is a welcome addition, believes Arthur Goldstuck, MD of technology research firm World Wide Worx. "There is definitely room for it," he says. "The more participants there are, the more competitive pricing will become."
Satellites are vital if African countries, including SA, are to provide broadband Internet services to their populations, particularly those in rural areas where terrestrial services are uneconomic, says Williams. "There is a desperate need for high-quality communications in Africa," he says.
