Liquid Intelligent Technologies (LIT), a pan-African technology group, and French satellite operator, Eutelsat Group, have announced a distribution partner agreement (DPA) which will see enterprise-grade Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services being made available in Africa.
With the integration of OneWeb’s LEO satellite network, Liquid Dataport can now offer low-latency satellite services. Additionally, this integration creates a connection between the satellite network and Liquid Dataport’s core network, allowing for a wider range of integrated services to its customers. Powered by Eutelsat, it will offer solutions for businesses that include internet access with options like Point-to-Point connections.
Satellite technology is relatively new and limited in its reach in Africa. Even across the world, there is a constellation of just about 5,400 LEO satellites. Liquid’s move anticipates the expected growth of LEO satellite constellations over the next 3 years. The company is present in about 20 countries and this includes Kenya. It is expected to offer the enterprise-grade LEO satellite services to customers in these countries.
“Our collaboration with Eutelsat signifies a milestone in bringing cutting-edge LEO services to our customers across multiple countries in Africa, empowering them with high-speed solutions and unlocking new possibilities for connectivity,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Leading satellite service provider, Starlink, is already in Kenya working with Jumia as its local distributor. However, it majorly targets domestic consumers. As of December 2023, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) data shows there were just 2,933 satellite internet subscriptions in Kenya. The entrance of a new player may help improve the numbers.
What are Leo Satellite Constellations
LEO satellites are usually positioned at an altitude of 2,000Km from Earth. This proximity allows for efficient transportation, clear communication, detailed observation, and easy resupply.
Africa majorly relies on subsea cables for its internet connections. However, the recent cuts that have led to prolonged outages means alternatives are needed. LEO satellites offer an advantage due to the ability to overcome geographic conditions and are also less susceptible to human activities. Therefore, they are an important supplement to terrestrial and undersea networks.
