Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator and Bharti Airtel International BV today announced an agreement to provide Airtel Africa customers with mobile satellite products and services across 17 countries in Africa. The partnership will provide Airtel Africa customers voice and broadband connectivity via Thurayaās satellite network across the continentās most remote areas. Commencing from May onwards, Airtel Africa will sell Thurayaās products and airtime packages at their retail outlets and through their Enterprise account team.
Extending mobile networks into remote or rural areas presents both geographical obstacles and business challenges for connecting people in Africa. Thurayaās satellite network helps bridge the digital divide by providing an immediate and cost-effective way for Airtel Africa to extend its coverage, while generating new revenue streams and providing vital connectivity. Thurayaās mobile satellite service can address the diverse voice and data communication needs of Airtel Africa enterprise users across the mining, energy, media, government and humanitarian NGO sectors.
Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya said, āThurayaās partnership with Airtel Africa is a very positive development in bridging the digital divide in Africa. We recognize the massive impact that access to reliable communications can have on the lives of ordinary people. Thurayaās robust satellite network will enable Airtel Africa to provide its consumer and enterprise users with reliable, high quality voice and broadband services. Thuraya is well-positioned to support customer-centric mobile operators like Airtel Africa that are looking to extend their network and services with satellite-based solutions.ā
Christian de Faria, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa said, “Providing reliable connectivity in many remote parts of Africa can be challenging. This partnership enables us to further extend our coverage and services for businesses and general consumers who live or work in very remote areas. Thurayaās satellite services will be combined with the reliable, high-quality voice calls and broadband access that our customers are accustomed to experiencing in our urban centers.ā