A new gateway being built by telecommunications infrastructure and service provider Paratus for broadband satellite communications company OneWeb, in Luanda, Angola, will facilitate the provision of OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency connectivity to businesses, government, schools, clinics and hospitals in under-serviced areas.

The multiyear agreement will help Paratus deliver OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity solutions to Paratus customers across 37 countries in Africa, particularly in rural and remote communities, once its global network coverage is activated in 2023.

The Luanda gateway will become operational in the second half of 2023.

“The announcement builds on significant strides both companies have made to enhance connectivity in Africa. OneWeb has installed its Satellite Network Portals in Angola, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal and Mauritius, and continues to secure strategic partnerships to roll out its coverage solutions.

“Paratus has recently launched fibre connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo, inaugurated data centres in Zambia and Namibia, and activated its coverage solutions in Angolan provinces,” the companies report.

“This agreement brings us a step closer to realising our mission of bridging the digital divide. By utilising the power of our LEO network, in addition to the scale and expertise of Paratus, I am confident that we will be able to deliver for the African customers and communities that will benefit most from our connectivity solutions,” says OneWeb chief commercial officer Stephen Beynon.

“The OneWeb distribution agreement is a great achievement for us and affirms our considerable capability and reach in Africa. This agreement will further enable us to deliver on our vision to transform Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service,” adds Paratus Group CEO Schalk Erasmus.

“Being chosen as a OneWeb distribution partner confirms our commitment to building successful and trusted relationships. LEO satellite technology is a game changer as it will offer high speed, low latency connectivity across Africa including in the under-served, remote areas,” says Paratus group chief commercial officer Martin Cox.