Telecom Namibia deploys new broadband satellite communications network

Telecom Namibia has deployed a SkyEdge II Broadband Satellite Network to serve hundreds of locations throughout Namibia. The 600-site SkyEdge II VSAT network to be deployed will support voice and internet services for consumers and companies throughout Namibia.

In addition to providing network connectivity for businesses and residential customers, Telecom Namibia will provide telephony and broadband internet services to remote communities in Namibia. The SkyEdge II is a multi-service platform capable of delivering high-quality voice, broadband data and video services for different environments including large companies, rural networks, cellular backhaul and government network applications.

The new, IP oriented and higher capacity network has replaced legacy equipment (Dialaway VSAT and Faraway VSAT) and enables the connection of new sites to broadband services. These old systems were in use starting 2000.

The SkyEdge II VSAT solution offers Telecom Namibia a most suitable product choice to meet the needs for residential and SMEs connectivity, as well as corporate networks and backhaul applications for other telecom service providers. The solution also enables Telecom Namibia to keep pace with the expanding needs of the market amid the country’s harsh rural geographic terrain.

Furthermore, satellite-based connectivity is fundamental for communications in Namibia given the country’s low and sparse population density (approximately two million people spread over more than 800,000 square kilometers).
The implementation of the 600-site Sky Edge II network commenced in mid 2010 and is in final stages of completion. Telecom Namibia will use the SkyEdge II network to deliver Internet and voice services to residential and enterprise customers. Additionally, the new network will be used to deliver the company’s Wi Space Wi-Fi hotspot service in hotels and other tourist destinations throughout Namibia.

“We are pleased to have added SkyEdge II to our portfolio of value-added satellite business solutions. This multi-star technology enables us to operate satellite networks for our customers in a centralised manner increasing the operational efficiency and utilisation of our resources,” said Oiva Angula, Telecom Namibia’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations.

“Telecom Namibia is now uniquely positioned in the market combining its terrestrial and satellite capabilities with its extensive national coverage of a 100% digital network, including IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol/Multiprotocol Label Switching), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), leased lines and Ethernet,” Angula said.

He said that Telecom Namibia remains the country’s leading integrated supplier of voice, text, data and video solutions and operates the largest Digital Telecommunication Network in the country. “We look forward to continuing our market leadership in Namibia and is proud to improve the quality of life of Namibians in the most remote rural areas of the country,” he concluded.