Eutelsat Connects 1 Million People in Africa Through ITU’s Partner2Connect Initiative
Eutelsat, a leading global satellite operator, has announced its achievement of connecting one million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to reliable and high-speed satellite internet as part of the Partner2Connect(P2C) Digital Coalition Pledge. The P2C programme, backed by the International Telecommunication Union(ITU), aims to mobilise resources and partnerships for global and reliable connectivity. Eutelsat marks this milestone of achievement two years ahead of its schedule, reinforcing its commitment to bridging the digital divide, a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
Eutelsat has achieved this milestone by instrumentally implementing its Eutelsat Konnect Wi-Fi hotspots, powered by the Eutelsat Konnect satellite, a geostationary communications satellite launched in 2020. The satellite provides broadband internet access and communications coverage to Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Konnect Wi-Fi hotspots have been crucial in delivering high-speed and affordable satellite internet connectivity to many rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. With speeds between 5 Mbps and 100 Mbps at competitive prices, this service has enabled individuals, schools, businesses, and healthcare centres to access vital online resources, opening doors to education, e-commerce, and essential services.
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group, commented: “Reaching this milestone means 1 million people now have access to vital information, education, and communication resources through our Konnect solution. This achievement highlights our commitment to digital inclusion. It underscores how we leverage cutting-edge satellite network solutions to meet the challenging demands for Africa’s low-cost, high-availability, and trusted services.
Eva Berneke added that Eutelsat’s GEO satellite fleet and OneWeb’s LEO constellation are expanding their reach and ensuring satellite connectivity will drive meaningful economic and social progress, empowering communities to thrive in the digital era. This milestone further reinforces Eutelsat’s commitment to advancing progress toward the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through digital connectivity.
About Partner2Connect
The P2C is a global initiative by the ITU aimed at promoting universal connectivity. It focuses on mobilising new resources, forming partnerships, and securing commitments to drive digital transformation worldwide. Special emphasis is placed on reaching the most challenging areas, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The initiative has received 958 pledges from 454 entities, representing 146 countries that pledged. The total value of the pledges is estimated to be USD 54 billion, underscoring the commitment of such entities to bridging the digital divide and reliable internet connectivity globally.
Eutelsat’s Expanding Footprint in Africa
In its objective to provide reliable satellite connectivity, Eutelsat has partnered with various African entities to advance its mission. Its partners have included satellite operators such as Nilesat from Egypt and the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) company to leverage OneWeb’s LEO constellation to provide connectivity solutions to various sectors of the economy to drive government services. Eutelsat has partnered with private-sector players such as Bayobab and Q-Kon to enhance internet connectivity across multiple sectors, such as digital banking while leveraging smart energy technologies from companies such as Clear Blue Technologies to improve Eutelsat’s platforms.
Additionally, consistent revenue generation from Africa for Eutelsat signifies a stable regional market presence. Eutelsat Group is strategically positioning itself to meet Africa’s increasing demand for reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. By focusing on urban and rural areas and partnering with established telecom operators, the company aims to comprehensively expand its market presence and services.