According to a press release by Avanti Communications, the satellite communications provider has completed the second phase of its project to build a new HYLAS 4 satellite gateway station in Dakar, Senegal. The recent introduction of a cutting-edge Ka-band antenna signifies a significant achievement and represents a notable milestone with a diameter of 9.2m, a height of 14m, and a weight of 17,000kg. In addition, constructing the state-of-the-art facility in the United States took more than 12 months before the antenna was transported to Dakar.
The new antenna system offers exceptional broadband support to deliver backhaul and large-scale connectivity for telecoms and the government. Similarly, the investment further supports the Digital 2025 initiative by providing investment, skills development and connectivity delivery for Senegal and its surrounding regions.
Avanti’s local gateway partner, Free in Senegal, will host and support the operations of the new gateway from its Tier III data centre facility in Diamniadio.
Kyle Whitehill, CEO at Avanti, said: “Completing phase two of this project is a huge achievement for everyone involved. To date, Avanti has connected more than 1,000 villages and schools across Africa, and we have ambitious plans to connect 10,000 sites over the next five years. This gateway is crucial to help us achieve that goal. I want to extend a special thank you to our strategic partner Free in Senegal, who have been instrumental in the project’s success.”
The new gateway will extend the coverage of Avanti’s HYLAS 4 satellite to Senegal and the surrounding West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Liberia and Ivory Coast. This will significantly increase access to high-speed satellite internet for the countries’ schools, hospitals and communities.
Avanti’s carrier customers can also extend their reach to rural and semi-urban locations where terrestrial networks are currently limited or unreliable.
