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SATELLITE NEWS

Paratus Signs Reseller Agreement with Starlink for Africa

Integrated network services company Paratus Group has entered
an agreement as a distributor for high-speed services across the
African continent on behalf of Starlink, the world’s first and largest
satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit. This agreement,
says Paratus, will allow it to provide Starlink to its customers
across Africa, as operating licenses are awarded to Starlink in
those countries. Initially, and with immediate effect, Starlink will
be available from Paratus in Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda and
Nigeria before being rolled out to more countries. Starlink is a
satellite internet constellation operated by American aerospace
company SpaceX. It provides high-speed broadband internet
using a simple, scalable hardware platform that, it says, can be
easily distributed across locations around the world. Starlink
currently provides services to tens of thousands of business
locations and serves customers in a multitude of capacities.
Paratus will be able to provide its customers with both fixed,
mobility and maritime services with immediate effect and with
24/7/365 enterprise support. Group Chief Commercial Officer of
Paratus, Martin Cox says: “This agreement aligns perfectly with
our vision of transforming Africa through exceptional digital
infrastructure and customer service. It means we can offer
industry sectors – such as land and offshore energy, mining, reliable and constant connectivity they need to flourish, no matter
hospitality, education, healthcare, agriculture and more – the how remote they are.”

OneWeb TONOMUS J.V. Selects Albabtain LeBlanc to Construct Satellite
Network Portal in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

First Tech Web Company Limited – a joint venture between construct a satellite station in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The station will
OneWeb, the UK-based global communications agency and low form part of the joint venture’s ground infrastructure, supporting
Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service provider, and TONOMUS, the the mission of bridging the digital divide across Saudi Arabia and
world-leading tech company powering the world’s first ecosystem the broader MENA region by providing consistent access to high-
of cognitive technologies at NEOM – has selected Albabtain speed, low-latency internet connectivity to people and businesses
LeBlanc, a leading Saudi Arabian construction company, to in remote and underserved areas. The station is expected to
be completed by the end of 2023, as Albabtain LeBlanc joins
OneWeb’s roster of partners across the Middle East, Europe, Africa
and Alaska. “We are excited to partner with Albabtain LeBlanc to
build our satellite station in Tabuk,” said Laith Hamad, CEO of
the OneWeb TONOMUS J.V. “This partnership is a key milestone
in our efforts to bring high-speed internet access to people and
businesses in Saudi Arabia and around the world.” “We are proud
to partner with the OneWeb TONOMUS J.V. on this important
project,” said Saleh Al Bedaiwi, General manager of Albabtain
LeBlanc. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to
supporting the development of the Kingdom’s digital economy.”
The announcement follows OneWeb’s appointment as Observer
Member by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The

48 GITEX SPECIAL 2023