INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology

into areas where traditionally it was not economically viable to do so . The use of satellite to provide backhaul connectivity to remote cell towers is integral to this business model . The location and terrain of these towers often do not allow backhaul solutions like fibre-optic cable and microwave to be used .

Africa Mobile Networks CEO Mike Darcy said , “ Intelsat is an important partner to Africa Mobile Networks . Our strategic partnership has provided essential telecommunication services to 8 million people across Africa , and we look forward to growing that number over the coming years .”

Africa Mobile Networks is a group of companies that builds , owns , operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure servicing Africa ’ s largest Mobile Network Operators , MNOs . Africa Mobile Networks ’ largest network is in Nigeria and now features more than 1,350 sites . With more than 450 sites added just since June 2023 , the collaboration now provides phone and Internet services to more than 3.5 million people in previously unconnected Nigerian communities .

“ Through this commitment to bridging the digital divide , we ’ ve made a significant impact and we look forward to furthering our mission of connectivity , ensuring that more communities can access the benefits of telecommunication services ,” said Jean Philippe Gillet , SVP of Global Sales for Networks and Media at Intelsat . “ Together with Africa Mobile Networks , we aim to make a lasting difference in Africa ’ s digital landscape .”

Intelsat and Africa Mobile Networks are planning additional operations in Madagascar , Rwanda and DRC . Africa Mobile Networks expects to build more than 1,340 rural base stations across the three new markets .

Combining Intelsat ’ s multi-satellite African coverage with Africa Mobile Networks ’ s solar-powered tower solution means that citizens and businesses in virtually any community can now have access to the education , social and economic benefits of telecommunication services .

Africa Mobile Networks specializes in connecting communities , reducing upfront and ongoing equipment costs while allowing cell services to be extended

Intelsat ’ s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure , satellite-based communications to government , NGO and commercial customers through the company ’ s next-generation worldwide network and managed services .

Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world ’ s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures , Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans , see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate , cooperate and coexist .

Since its founding six decades ago , the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry firsts in service to its customers and the planet . Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “ next firsts ” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry . p

62 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com