London-based satellite operator Avanti Communication now has its latest satellite, Hylas 4, on station and ready for work following a period of testing. Hylas 4 was launched back in April to its 33.5 degrees West.

Avanti officially opened up its Ka-band capacity for South Africa and sub-Saharan users on Aug 29th. Hylas 4 will operate with 64 fixed and 4 steerable beams from five Gateway Earth Stations to also significantly extend Avanti’s coverage to West and Central Africa for the first time.

Avanti says this development will provide affordable high-speed satellite broadband to connect homes, SMEs, schools, enterprises and mobile operators across Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in rural and remote locations where terrestrial networks are limited.

“Through our reliable high-speed connectivity, we bring the digital era to people, we believe everyone has the right to become a digital citizen, especially those in the remotest areas across Africa,” says Christian Georgeson, Chief Marketing Officer at Avanti.

The addition of Hylas 4 sees Avanti complete its coverage across Africa, in addition to having the capability to cover markets across Latin America. These markets can be reached through the satellite’s four steerable beams which can be placed anywhere across the Earth’s disk visible from the orbital slot of the satellite.

Avanti’s South African in-country presence comes as the company also unveils its new corporate identity which encapsulates its vision to connect homes, grow businesses, extend networks, change lives, and go the extra mile to liberate untapped potential.

Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite