Page 50 - SAMENA Trends - Gitex Special 2023

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KDDI Partners with SpaceX to Bring Satellite-to-Cellular Service to Japan

The Japanese telecom provider KDDI
announced that it has signed an agreement
with SpaceX to introduce satellite-to-
cellular service in Japan. Leveraging
SpaceX's Starlink low earth orbit (LEO)
satellites and KDDI's extensive national
wireless spectrum, this partnership aims
to enhance cellular connectivity in areas,
including remote islands and mountains
that have been traditionally hard to
reach using conventional 4G and 5G
networks. As per the statement, the joint
initiative builds on the common vision of
"connecting the unconnected," to empower
users in remote regions with seamless
cellular connectivity. KDDI and SpaceX
plan to roll out SMS text services as early
as 2024, with plans to extend to voice and
data services subsequently. "Almost all Network Operators (MNO), bringing connect to satellites. SpaceX's Starlink
existing smartphones on the KDDI network the next-generation satellite-enabled delivers high-speed, low-latency internet
will be compatible with this new service connectivity to their customers. KDDI's to users all over the world. As the world's
as it employs the device's existing radio au network is said to provide 99.9 percent first and largest satellite constellation
services," said the statement. Both the "population coverage" to the people of using a low Earth orbit, Starlink says it
partners, KDDI and SpaceX also extend Japan. Further to its efforts, KDDI says it will deliver broadband internet capable
an invitation to mobile network operators will provide "connecting the unconnected" of supporting streaming, online gaming,
globally to join the ecosystem of Mobile experience, by enabling smartphones to video calls and more.

YahClick and NIGCOMSAT Partner to Expand Broadband Penetration

YahClick, the data solutions subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship and will see YahClick work closely with NIGCOMSAT to provide
satellite solutions provider Al Yah Satellite Communications faster and more reliable broadband internet connectivity. The
Company (YahSat), has partnered with Nigerian Communications improvements, say the partners, will result in speed increases of up
Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) to expand broadband penetration in sub- to 25 Mbps for standard profiles and up to 100 Mbps for dedicated
Saharan Africa and boost access to critical electronic services corporate users. This, the partners say, will empower the delivery
across the region. The project is expected to begin in Q4 2023 of essential education, health, and a wide range of other public and
corporate services. YahClick says its expertise and cutting-edge
technology will enable the rollout of e-government applications
and help accelerate Nigeria’s digitization plans, providing unserved
and underserved communities with uninterrupted internet.
A steering committee compromising executives from both
companies has been formed to ensure the implementation of the
project is aligned to the national requirement and essential service
institutions in Nigeria. Sulaiman Al Ali, Yahsat’s Chief Commercial
Officer, explains: “Our partnership will play an important role in
helping the Nigerian government as well as private organizations
roll out critical electronic services to underserved and unserved
communities across the country. For Nigeria’s digitization drive
to be successful, it is imperative that in-country infrastructure
is reliable enough to deliver uninterrupted services. YahClick
has extensive experience in providing advanced and affordable
technologies that are easily accessible in remote regions.”

50 GITEX SPECIAL 2023