Zimpapers Logo

Tonderai Rutsito Tech Spot
TelOne recently signed a satellite broadband contract with Avanti Communications, a leading UK-based satellite operator to provide high speed internet and Ka-band data services for business, rural areas, mobile carrier and defence systems. For those in remote areas where fibre, copper or wireless services are not available, this will definitely be so much relief  as customers could get connected from $50 at  512kp/s from any part of the nation.

Avanti has designed its fleet to offer 100 percent national coverage for Internet Service Providers of primary countries. There are no in-country coverage gaps as their beam patterns overlap.

TelOne will deliver broadband services to thousands of consumers, enterprises and the public sector customers in the country, deployed via  the Avanti’s HYLAS 2 satellite.

Ka-band satellite provides increased spectrum compared to C-band and Ku-band, enabling transmission of greater volumes. The equipment used is smaller, cheaper and much easier to set up. Ka-band uses a smaller end-user antennas (VSATs) typically 74 cm. This offers increased mobility and higher bandwidths and speeds make the benefits of Ka-band satellite capacity attractive.

In a statement, TelOne said the company was committed to supporting the ZIM ASSET drive through the development of ICT infrastructure. This  new offering will make satellite broadband available at a manageable price for consumers and small businesses.

TelOne managing director Mrs Chipo Mtasa said: “Our goal at TelOne is to provide quality broadband services to a diverse customer base in Zimbabwe. With significant unmet demand in terms of service availability and quality, our partnership with Avanti enables us to effectively address this need – today. We are delighted to work with Avanti on imminent rollout to homes, schools and businesses in Zimbabwe.”

Matthew O’Connor, chief operating officer at Avanti Communications, commented: “We are pleased to be working in collaboration with TelOne in Zimbabwe. Avanti’s quality Ka-band satellite technology will support delivery of internet connectivity to thousands of new customers in the region.”

Avanti Communications’ network consists of two high throughput satellites in orbit, called HYLAS 1 and HYLAS 2, a multiband satellite called Artemis plus a fourth satellite  in construction called HYLAS 3 and an international fibre network connecting data centres in several countries. Besides the Over the Air transmission mode, Telone, Zimbabwe`s only  fixed telecommunications service provider that is wholly owned by the Government provides Voice, Internet and Data services.

TelOne has a wide network distribution with infrastructure in most parts of country. Its network has grown to be the second largest in the southern African region after Telkom South Africa.

TelOne’s network runs on a wide range of telecommunications equipment, varying from various exchanges located in strategic areas, optical fibre networks, radio network systems plus a wide range of high-tech networks including a satellite base station located in Mazowe area.

The Writer is the editor of TechnoMag, Zimbabwe`s Premier Technology Magazine, more   on www.technomag.co.zw, www.technomag.co.zw or join us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/technomagzw. Email articles[at]technomag.co.zw  tweet @TechnoMagZw