13 April 2018

GSN is providing the ground infrastructure for the project while Intelsat is handling the space segment.

Uganda’s Communications Commission (UCC) will use a combined satellite solution from Gilat Satellite Networks (GSN) and Intelsat to advance the deployment of 3G infrastructure and expand affordable broadband access for businesses and communities in rural areas.

Under the partnership, GSN will install and maintain the ground network infrastructure while Intelsat will oversee the space segment, traffic configuration and project management.

The partners said their turnkey, solar-powered package provides everything an MNO needs to expand 3G service over a 2.5km radius, including power supply, monopole, and all satellite and cellular equipment. 

As part of a pilot programme, the UCC will use GSN’s SkyEdge II-c multi-application platform and IntelsatOne Mobile Reach Solar 3G, an end-to-end managed service delivered via Intelsat 37e. 

The project will see MTN Uganda wll integrate the sites into its core network to provide “high-quality, resilient and affordable” broadband connectivity to two rural communities – Bufundi in Rubanda, and Kibuku in Ntoroko.

The overall objective is to demonstrate the ease of deploying the satellite solution and study the commercial viability and sustainability of the solution.

The project will also be instrumental in helping to accelerate the Uganda government’s broadband strategy, particularly its goal of achieving minimum broadband speeds of 3Mbps and coverage of 100 per cent of all rural areas by 2020.

With more than 80 per cent of Uganda’s population living in rural areas, extending broadband connectivity and delivering affordable services to everyone has been a “technological and budgetary challenge”, according UCC executive director Godfrey Mutabazi.

He said: “With this combined effort and the innovative approach the companies are bringing, we believe citizens in some of our most isolated communities will experience the power of reliable connectivity and the economic and social benefits it delivers.”