Seacom launches LEO satellite service following subsea cable disruption. Telecommunications and subsea cable provider, Seacom has now diversified its operations beyond its subsea cable services.
They are doing this simply by launching a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite service in South Africa. the company is making use of Eutelsat OneWeb to help provide LEO services in the region.
Seacom Launches LEO Satellite Service
Seacom, a leading African data service provider, has recently launched a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service, aimed at providing enhanced connectivity solutions to its enterprise clients. This move comes in the wake of a disruptive subsea cable outage experienced by Seacom in the Red Sea region just two months prior.
Seacom swiftly responded to the challenge posed by the subsea cable disruption by introducing an innovative satellite service. Despite the outage affecting connectivity between Africa and Europe, as well as clients in East and South Africa, Seacom’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for its clients.
Evolutionary Shift in Regional Connectivity
Described as an “evolutionary” shift in regional connectivity, Seacom’s LEO satellite service marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications landscape. The company embarked on two years of consultations with industry partners before the launch, demonstrating meticulous planning and strategic foresight.
How LEO Satellite Connectivity Works
Unlike traditional fixed-line and cellular broadband, LEO satellite connectivity offers a distinct advantage by bypassing the need for local infrastructure such as base stations or nodes. Data transmitted via satellite is routed through strategically positioned teleport facilities, ensuring reliability even in the face of local infrastructure failures.
Making LEO Satellite Service Accessible
Alpheus Mangale, Seacom’s Group CEO, envisions the LEO satellite service as an indispensable offering for organizations of all sizes. With a focus on delivering value to large, medium, and small-scale enterprises, Seacom aims to revolutionize connectivity solutions across various industries.
Seacom highlights the versatility of LEO satellite connectivity, catering to diverse industries including financial services, retail, mining, and education. The low latency and high workload capabilities of LEO satellites position them as a preferred choice for enterprises with demanding connectivity needs.
Starlink’s Influence and Impact in This Development
While Seacom enters the LEO satellite arena, Elon Musk’s Starlink remains a dominant player in the market. Despite Starlink’s significant presence in several African countries, including South Africa, regulatory hurdles have hindered its official approval in certain regions.
Implications for South Africa
Seacom’s LEO satellite launch announcement coincides with Starlink’s decision to discontinue its roaming service in unlicensed areas, including South Africa. This development could accelerate the adoption of Seacom’s satellite service, offering a promising alternative for businesses seeking reliable connectivity solutions.
Seacom’s foray into LEO satellite connectivity signifies a strategic response to challenges in the telecommunications landscape. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Seacom is poised to redefine regional connectivity and empower enterprises across diverse industries.
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