Eutelsat Group Expands Connectivity Footprint with New Earth Station in Angola
Eutelsat Group has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Earth station at the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone (ZEE), marking a major milestone in Angola’s telecommunications and digital transformation journey. Developed through a strategic partnership between OneWeb Angola and Eutelsat, the facility functions as a vital communications gateway for the Eutelsat OneWeb NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) network in low Earth orbit (LEO). This project, four years in the making, highlights Angola’s expanding role in advanced satellite connectivity and the broader development of regional digital infrastructure.
Dignitaries present at the launch included H.E. Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication of the Republic of Angola; Honourable Mr Roz Griffiths, Deputy Ambassador representing His Majesty’s Embassy of the United Kingdom in Angola; Honourable Mr Joaquim Muhongo, Chief Executive Officer of the Angolan Communications Regulatory Authority (INACOM); and Mr. Amr AbdulNabi Ashour, Director of Market Access for the Middle East and Africa at Eutelsat.
Furthermore, the Earth station, which operates as Satellite Network Portal (SNP), is a key component of the Eutelsat OneWeb network, enabling robust and reliable links between space and ground. It provides essential connectivity and capacity for Angola and the broader region, supporting business, government, and societal needs. The facility represents a significant technological advancement, positioning Angola as a leader in satellite communications within Africa.
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
The project faced several challenges, including securing a dependable power supply and establishing fibre connectivity to a uniquely situated site. These obstacles were overcome through close cooperation with vendors and local partners and the strong support of the Angolan government. The Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication and the Angolan Communications Regulatory Authority (INACOM) played a pivotal role in facilitating licensing and regulatory approvals.
INACOM granted a provisional license a year ago, allowing operations to commence. Since then, the Earth station has successfully operated without disrupting Luanda’s national telecommunications infrastructure. This milestone paves the way for further collaboration with Angolan authorities to support the country’s digital transformation initiatives.
Significant Investment for Long-Term Impact
The Earth station represents a substantial investment, with a capital expenditure of nearly USD 15 million dedicated to cutting-edge antennas and infrastructure designed for high performance, resilience, and efficiency. Additionally, operational expenditures are projected to reach USD 5 million over the next decade, ensuring the facility’s sustainability and expansion to meet Angola’s future connectivity demands.
With this launch, Angola joins a select group of African nations hosting OneWeb’s advanced Earth stations, including Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, and Tanzania. Each of these countries has a locally registered OneWeb entity managing operations. Unlike competitors such as Starlink, which primarily focus on B2C (business-to-consumer) services, OneWeb and Eutelsat emphasise B2B (business-to-business) solutions, leveraging multi-orbit operations for enhanced reliability and coverage.
In addition, the new Earth station reinforces Angola’s position in the global telecommunications ecosystem while positioning the country as a regional hub for satellite services. With this infrastructure, Angola can export connectivity solutions to neighbouring nations, driving digital progress across the continent. The project reflects the country’s commitment to innovation and infrastructure development under forward-thinking leadership, setting a benchmark for future advancements in Africa’s digital landscape.