Satcoms company Astranis is partnering with Mexican ISP Apco Networks on what it describes as a two-satellite programme to bring affordable broadband internet to five million people.
Astranis was founded in 2015 with the aim of connecting the world by reducing the cost of internet services in rural and remote areas with small, powerful satellites for geostationary orbit. These are much smaller than traditional GEO machines, which can weigh multiple tons.
Astranis says the satellites, launching in 2024, will become the first Ka-band satellites ever dedicated to Mexico.
Apco Networks has 19 years of experience providing end-to-end satellite connectivity solutions in Mexico under the brand name Aitelecom. Astranis points out that Apco has the local expertise that is necessary to successfully roll out connectivity services in a market as diverse as Mexico. It also has an innovative, long-term partnership with a ground solutions provider that will enable Apco to serve a unique role in the Mexican connectivity ecosystem.
Astranis says its satellites will allow Apco to provide a managed service for many different kinds of connectivity — Wi-Fi sites, direct-to-enterprise, and backhaul for rural cell sites. Apco is said to be eager to partner with other internet service providers in Mexico, a strategy that helps supply local solutions that fit local demand.
This agreement comes only a few months after Astranis announced plans to launch and operate a new small broadband GEO satellite in 2024 that will provide connectivity over the Philippines.
The website Data Centre Dynamics adds that US-based mobile satellite connectivity specialist Anuvu and Peruvian cellular backhaul provider Andesat have also ordered satellites from Astranis.