Africa Online and Radio Electronic (Pty) Ltd have signed a letter of intent to explore the use of OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to improve connectivity in Namibia’s rural and remote areas.
A LEO satellite orbits relatively close to Earth, usually at an altitude of about 160 to 2 000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface.
In a joint statement issued last week, Africa Online managing director Ingram van Heerden and Radio Electronic chief executive officer Francois du Toit say the agreement is not yet a commercial rollout.
The two companies will assess the technical, commercial and operational feasibility of using satellite technology to complement existing telecommunications infrastructure.
“As demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity continues to accelerate, access to dependable internet has become increasingly critical to economic growth, public service delivery and social development,” the statement says.
OneWeb, operated by Eutelsat, uses a network of LEO satellites to provide high-speed and low-latency broadband services.
Radio Electronic’s subsidiary, Blue Telecommunications, received regulatory approval earlier this year to provide OneWeb LEO satellite services in Namibia.
The companies say they will assess connectivity needs in sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, education, healthcare, logistics and the government.
Van Heerden says satellite technology could help extend connectivity to areas outside established network coverage.
“Namibia’s digital future depends on ensuring that connectivity reaches every sector of the economy, not only those located within established network footprints,” he says.
Du Toit says Namibia’s geography presented unique challenges that required flexible connectivity solutions.
The companies will also look at using satellite connectivity as a backup for critical operations.
They say this could improve network resilience and business continuity for public and private sector organisations.
The agreement comes as interest in LEO satellite services grows in Namibia.
In August last year, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia held public consultations on companies seeking spectrum to provide OneWeb services in the country.
Blue Telecommunications was among four companies that proposed offering OneWeb connectivity in Namibia.
In the statement issued, the companies will conduct technical studies, commercial evaluations and market assessments over the coming months.
According to the statement, the findings will determine whether they proceed with a formal commercial partnership or implementation programme.
The statement says for now, the agreement is an assessment of the technology and does not represent a commitment to deploy a nationwide satellite network.
