In a press release by Avanti Communications, the organisation has been granted the Infrastructure Operator Authorisation required for its HYLAS 4 satellite gateway station in Diamniadio, Senegal, by the Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, Mr Moussa Bocar Thiam, on 29 February 2024.
Furthermore, Avanti is advancing to the final testing phase before commencing its services, offering Senegal comprehensive high-speed national satellite coverage. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector, aligning with the government’s ‘Senegal Digital 2025’ strategy. Moreover, Avanti’s satellite coverage will deliver dependable, high-speed voice and data connectivity to Senegal’s rural communities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses, and government agencies while significantly enhancing national security.
Once operational, the gateway is set to be a driving force in Senegal’s digital economy, potentially generating local employment opportunities. To make this vision a reality, Avanti has committed to investing in Senegal’s growing tech centre and has already started recruiting a team in Diamniadio.
“This project has been a labour of love for everyone at Avanti, and we now look forward to completing our final tests and launching our services. The tech industry in Senegal is accelerating, and we look forward to being at the forefront of its exciting growth trajectory. I want to extend a special thank you to Honourable Mr Moussa Bocar Thiam, Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, and his technical teams, whose collaboration and commitment to the development of telecommunications have undeniably played a role in the success of this gateway project. Additionally, I’d like to thank the Director-General of The Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts and his team for their ongoing support, which has played a critical role in securing our licence”, commented Kyle Whitehill, the CEO at Avanti.
According to Mr Moussa Bocar Thiam, Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, “Our approval of this new gateway reinforces the development of telecommunications in Senegal. The satellite coverage Avanti will provide is set to enhance the lives of millions of people across the country. Critically, the complete national coverage will increase access to high-speed satellite internet in our schools, hospitals and communities – touching the lives of all those who need it.”
In 2023, the satellite communications provider finalised the second phase of its project, constructing a new HYLAS 4 satellite gateway station in Dakar, Senegal. The recent installation of an advanced Ka-band antenna, measuring 9.2 meters in diameter, 14 meters in height, and weighing 17,000 kilograms, marks a significant achievement and a noteworthy milestone. The new antenna system offered exceptional broadband support to deliver backhaul and large-scale connectivity for telecoms and the government.
Aside from Senegal, the new gateway will expand Avanti’s HYLAS 4 satellite coverage to neighbouring West African countries, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Liberia, and Ivory Coast, positioning Senegal as a vital digital hub for the region. Avanti’s carrier partners will have the opportunity to broaden their services to rural and semi-urban areas where terrestrial networks are presently constrained or unreliable.
Source: https://africanews.space/avanti-communications-granted-the-infrastructure-operator-authorisation-to-operate-its-hylas-4-satellite-gateway-station/
