Isreali-based Spacecom, operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, today announced that a leading Angolan satellite services company has signed a contract for C-Band HTS capacity on the newly launched AMOS-17 communication satellite. The Angolan company will utilize capacity on AMOS-17 primarily for cellular backhaul to better connect rural and low-density communities throughout the Southern African country, according to a media release by Spacecom.

The statement did not disclose the name of the Angolan company.

“AMOS-17’s C-band HTS capabilities enable the satellite to target all of Angola with a single beam rather than use a number of smaller beams, as in most other HTS satellite. This technological advantage leads to economic benefits by reducing the client’s initial CAPEX costs as well as providing lower ongoing OPEX costs for it and its customers. Spacecom’s Vertical Solutions Division is supporting infrastructure deployment for the Angolan company.”

Spacecom Sr. VP of Sales, Jacob Keret reported, “We are excited to welcome back this Angolan satellite service provider to the AMOS family. AMOS-17, expected to begin commercial services later in 2019, is already bringing new and repeat customer business. We are very satisfied to see this movement. Within a short time, Spacecom has three satellites serving Africa: AMOS-7, AMOS-4 and AMOS-17 all of which are enabling clients to reduce Africa’s digital divide.”

This announcement further corroborates Spacecom’s growing influence in Africa’s satellite services market. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-traded company in September announced that Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) signed a deal to double its capacity on AMOS-7 communication satellite KU-beams.

Spacecom also recently signed a deal with Nigeria-based IDS Africa to provide broadcast services on the AMOS-17 satellite to the Nigerian market.