04 September 2020

Telecom Namibia (TN) has upgraded its very small aperture terminal (VSAT) hub to ensure faster and reliable IP-based connectivity for users in remote areas. 

Pilot installations of TN’s modern VSAT hub, called Satlink, have had satisfactory results, the company said.

The operator recently migrated the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute to the upgraded VSAT platform and the mission of Gobabeb is to be a catalyst for gathering, understanding and sharing knowledge about arid environments, especially the hyperarid Namib Desert.

“We have started engaging our customers and will soon commence with the roll-out,” said Justus Shalihu, Telecom Namibia VSAT project manager.

VSAT is a customised integrated voice/fax, data and video satellite communication solution available everywhere, even in the most remote areas in Namibia. TN’s upgraded VSAT is based on the latest high-capacity, high-throughput and low-latency satellite technology and supports delivery of both narrowband and broadband connectivity anywhere in the country.

The company said farmers, banks, schools, NGOs and mining companies would be likely beneficiaries of VSAT service in remote areas.

TN’s Satlink service comes with unlimited data volume downloads and high-speed internet access at a flat rate as well as transmission of integrated, voice, fax and internet on one network. Residential and business customers can choose from a variety of packages on offer and a fixed contract period of 36 months.

TN also said it will absorb all once-off device and installation/service replacement cost for its existing customers.