SES, Facebook deal to provide broadband connectivity in Africa

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Satellite operator, SES S.A. has announced a satellite broadband deal with Facebook to provide high-speed broadband connectivity services to Sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement will support Facebook's Express Wi-Fi programme that is part of their Internet.org initiative.

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Facebook, the world’s largest social media network, will deliver high-speed broadband connectivity using three SES satellites - ASTRA 2G, ASTRA 3B and ASTRA 4A. In addition, SES is providing Facebook with customised SES Enterprise+ broadband services.

SES designed a highly tailored service utilising its satellite, data centre and implementation services with integrated features such as security, protocol enhancement, and hosting. The solution includes Gilat Satellite Networks’ X-Architecture platform that will enable Facebook’s local African partners to deliver internet services to under-connected and unconnected communities using Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi access product.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with SES and Facebook on this worthy initiative to bridge the digital divide,” said Ron Levin, director Strategic Accounts at Gilat. “The turn-key solution provided to Facebook is based on expanding SES base with Gilat's most advanced X-Architecture for SkyEdge II-c platform to deliver a scalable and optimised satellite-enabled broadband solution in Africa."

“SES has the solutions and satellites that can satisfy Facebook’s demand to enable and provide broadband connectivity for Express Wi-Fi,” said Ferdinand Kayser, chief commercial officer of SES.