Intelsat Provides Critical Capacity Used for African Cellular Networks

Pembroke, Bermuda.-Intelsat, Ltd., the world’s leading provider of commercial satellite services, today announced two new customer agreements demonstrating the company’s continued momentum in providing satellite-based cellular backhaul solutions for wireless operators. Joining more than 60 other wireless operators receiving service from Intelsat today, cellular telecom providers in Kenya and Angola will be able to extend their much-needed communications services throughout the rural and urban areas in their respective countries.

MSTelcom, a licensed telecommunications operator in Angola and subsidiary of Sonangol Holdings, will use Intelsat satellite capacity to provide transmission services for one of the country’s largest GSM operators as it seeks to rebuild and expand its telecommunications network after the country’s infrastructure was ravished by civil war. MSTelcom has contracted for C-band service on the Intelsat 3R satellite at 43 degrees West.

“There is a big demand in Angola for reconstruction of telecommunications services-services cellular operators need immediately,” said Angelo Gama, MSTelcom’s CTO. “Intelsat is the only satellite operator that is able to offer us the exact satellite capacity we need to ensure our customers will be able to build out their network infrastructures in a timely manner.”

Safaricom Ltd., Kenya’s leading mobile telephone operator, also selected Intelsat capacity to support its network expansion throughout Kenya, and for its own international gateway connectivity. Safaricom has contracted for capacity on the Intelsat 902 satellite at 62 degrees East under a multi-year agreement.

“Intelsat listened to our requirements and delivered the solution we needed,” said Michael Joseph, CEO, Safaricom. “Working closely with us, Intelsat’s service and its flexibility in accommodating us with additional capacity on Intelsat 902 provides us with the efficient bandwidth we need to expand our cellular services network into remote regions of Kenya, and for our international services.”

“Our wireless expertise is unmatched in the satellite industry-we understand the requirements of this unique segment of the telecommunications market, based in part on our legacy in serving the Africa region for over 40 years,” said Flavien Bachabi, Intelsat’s Regional Vice President, Africa. “We are, and will continue to be, the premier satellite service provider for Africa. Operators need the ability to grow their services rapidly, to offer services ubiquitously throughout their territories and to have flexible contracts that can keep pace with the rapid changes in their business. Intelsat remains ready to respond to Africa’s growing wireless operator sector.”