SAS Global and other satellite firms scramble for Africa
Sky and Space Global is to launch 200 nano-satellites to bring digital coverage to the continent by the end of 2020
Sky and Space Global (SAS Global) is on track to launch 200 shoebox-sized nano-satellites by the end of 2020, betting that its low-cost model will prove a hit with telecoms customers in Africa. The Australian-listed company has joined larger European rivals circling Africa as they look to capitalise on a data services boom across the continent. Africa’s size, difficult terrain and low broadband penetration often make satellites the most cost-efficient and practical way to connect remote rural towns, rather than laying terrestrial cables in so-called “last mile” connections. The gaps in connectivity across the continent represent a commercial opportunity for businesses that can fill them, with non-SMS mobile-data revenue from broadband access and mobile digital services expected to more than double to $32bn in 2022 from $13bn in 2017, according to technology research firm Ovum. “We are on track for launch next year and within less than two years we will have the entire constellation ...
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