08 March 2021

Telkom Consumer and YahClick have joined forces to enable consumers to make voice calls and access broadband data in South Africa using satellite connectivity. 

For phase one, the former will commence with migrating a number of identified consumer customers first and launch to new customers in early 2021. The company also noted this significantly expands access to affordable connectivity in rural areas nationally without access to fibre. 

YahClick Satellite Services will deliver the Telkom data and voice over internet protocol packages through its satellite platforms using the Hughes Gateway and ground segment technology. 

“This agreement enables us to seamlessly connect our customers nationwide,” said Telkom Consumer chief executive officer (CEO) Serame Taukobong. “Our data service with YahClick means we can overcome physical infrastructure constraints and give customers everywhere in South Africa the chance to enjoy high-speed connectivity to study online, to work and to stream content.”

Telkom said the new satellite offering will also be a game-changer for any business or government services in rural areas which will soon be able to connect using Telkom’s satellite packages.

YahClick CEO Farhad Khan added that the agreement with Telkom “expands high-quality digital inclusion across South Africa and will really help communities to overcome communication barriers caused by the lack of connectivity”.

The satellite broadband service provider, from the UAE-based global satellite operator Yahsat and its partner Hughes Network Systems, utilises the efficiencies of the reusable Ka-band satellite frequency and multi-spot beam technology to make satellite broadband affordable and dependable for consumers across the world who do not have access to reliable internet connectivity.