Page 47 - SAMENA Trends - September 2023

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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, hospitality, education, healthcare,
agriculture and more – the reliable and constant connectivity they
need to flourish, no matter 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 OneWeb, Saudi Arabian construction company, to construct a satellite
the UK-based global communications agency and low Earth orbit station in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The station will form part of the joint
(LEO) satellite service provider, and TONOMUS, the world-leading venture’s ground infrastructure, supporting the mission of bridging
tech company powering the world’s first ecosystem of cognitive the digital divide across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region
technologies at NEOM – has selected Albabtain LeBlanc, a leading by providing consistent access to high-speed, low-latency internet
connectivity to people and businesses 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 construction of the satellite station in

47 SEPTEMBER 2023