Eutelsat, Facebook choose Jupiter for Africa broadband
May 10, 2016
Eutelsat Communications and Facebook have selected Hughes Network Systems to supply its Jupiter System as the technology platform for satellite broadband services that both companies are preparing to launch in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With the selection of the Juptier System, along with high-gain Ka-band spot beam capacity provided by Spacecom’s AMOS-6 satellite, Eutelsat and Facebook are assembling a dedicated infrastructure that will extend cost-effective broadband to areas of Sub-Saharan Africa beyond reach of fixed and mobile terrestrial networks. The AMOS-6 satellite is due to enter service in early 2017.
“We evaluated all major broadband system vendors before selecting Hughes. Their decades of experience in satellite technology and the Jupiter System’s proven capabilities made it our preferred choice for this exciting venture with Facebook,” said Laurent Grimaldi, CEO of the new broadband company created by Eutelsat to steer its African broadband vision and business.