Spacecom has announced a strategic cooperation agreement with NuRAN Wireless Inc. The agreement includes a USD 3.2 million investment in the Canadian communications company; hence, Spacecom is acquiring 9.3% of NuRAN’s equity. NuRAN’s satellite-based wireless communications solutions enable mobile wireless operators (MNOs) to efficiently deploy sites. These sites are to generate network coverage in hard-to-reach and rural regions where infrastructure is neither economically feasible nor cost-efficient.

The partnership agreement grants Spacecom exclusive rights to provide satellite capacity and bandwidth for all future NuRAN operations in Africa. Thus, these rights include NuRAN’s recently won large, long-term contract. The contract is to expand Orange’s MNO satellite network coverage for its Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) operations. These deals, and all future ones, will utilise Spacecom’s AMOS-17 advanced, digital satellite whose characteristics deliver significant advantages for Africa. 

In addition, according to Spacecom’s press release, the collaboration is integral to Spacecom’s strategy to further its position as a leading Communications Service Provider of satellite-based solutions in Africa. Spacecom is penetrating Africa’s telecom and mobile markets with various solutions and services above and beyond providing satellite capacity. These include designing, planning, operating, and managing advanced communication networks.

Dan Zajicek, Spacecom’s CEO, stated, “I am happy and proud of our joint agreement with NuRAN Wireless to provide communications to remote regions and low-density population areas in Africa. This initiative represents an additional strategic step by Spacecom to bridge the continent’s digital divide. The advanced, unique capabilities of AMOS-17, alongside NuRAN Wireless’ solutions, demonstrate Spacecom’s obligation to provide services in Africa’s regions with limited infrastructure. We look forward to strengthening and expanding our African operations by emphasizing solutions for MNOs.”

Francis Letourneau, CEO of NuRAN Wireless, stated, “This strategic partnership between NuRAN Wireless and Spacecom is vital to bridge the digital gap. The companies’ combined expertise and experience will ignite the potential of the rural market.” Furthermore, he added that “over one-third of the African population needs mobile and broadband connectivity that leads to significant growth to be captured. NuRAN’s executive team is delighted by this strategic alliance and looks forward to a connected future.”

Spacecom is a leading global fixed-satellite operator and satellite service provider. Furthermore, the company offers tailored end-to-end communication solutions to the media and broadband industries. In addition, Spacecom provides innovative broadcast and broadband satellite services. Operating the advanced AMOS satellite fleet, the company has a European, Pan-African, Middle Eastern and Asian coverage.