Sonatel Completes Gandoul Teleport Upgrade With 16 Eutelsat OneWeb LEO Antennas
Sonatel has completed the upgrade of its Gandoul teleport by deploying Eutelsat OneWeb’s Satellite Portal Network, adding 16 next-generation satellite antennas across approximately 5 hectares, alongside a Tier III-standard technical facility. The infrastructure connects Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit constellation to terrestrial networks, facilitating the delivery of high-speed internet to Senegal, the sub-region, and beyond.
The project forms part of Sonatel’s broader digital infrastructure strategy and its contribution to Senegal’s New Deal Technologique, the government’s framework for accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
“With the deployment of this Eutelsat OneWeb Gateway and its 16 next-generation satellite antennas, Sonatel is strengthening its historic teleport and confirming its commitment to investing durably in very high-level digital infrastructure in the service of Senegal and Africa,” said Brelotte Ba, Director General of Sonatel.
Gandoul Doubles Down on Satellite Connectivity
The Gandoul teleport has long served as a major telecommunications hub, hosting a range of satellite connectivity solutions and functioning as a key node for international digital exchanges. The integration of the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation represents a further step in diversifying and strengthening the site’s existing capabilities, with the aim of delivering more reliable and resilient connectivity.
Philippe Baudrier, Director General of Konnect Africa, welcomed the development. “The inauguration of the Gandoul Gateway marks an important milestone in our longstanding partnership with Sonatel. This new infrastructure further strengthens OneWeb’s terrestrial network and reflects our shared commitment to supporting resilient and trusted connectivity across the region,” he said.
Digital Sovereignty and National Transformation
The new gateway is designed to serve several strategic objectives: reinforcing Senegal’s digital sovereignty, securing and diversifying international connectivity routes, improving network resilience in the face of technical and geopolitical risks, and accelerating digital inclusion and broadband access. The Gandoul installations incorporate secure energy infrastructure, redundant systems, and very high-speed fibre connectivity, ensuring high availability and continuity of service.
Senegal as a Regional Connectivity Hub
The investment positions Senegal as a regional hub for satellite and digital connectivity in West Africa. The Gandoul teleport is interconnected with submarine cables and Sonatel’s national and international terrestrial networks, offering a robust, scalable hybrid infrastructure that combines satellite and fibre. Furthermore, its connection to Eutelsat OneWeb’s global network reinforces Senegal’s role as a strategic anchor point in international digital exchanges.
The gateway also supports the growth of the digital economy, innovation, and the startup ecosystem, whilst meeting the increasing connectivity needs of businesses and public administrations across the region.
A Site With History, Built for the Future
Inaugurated on 5 April 1972 by President Senghor and located in the Thiès region, the Gandoul earth station has been a cornerstone of Senegal’s telecommunications infrastructure for over five decades. Its technical advantages, including an unobstructed maritime horizon for optimal satellite visibility, low electromagnetic pollution, and proximity to Dakar and the country’s main digital infrastructure, have made it a natural choice for successive generations of connectivity investment.
The latest upgrade reflects Sonatel’s broader strategy of building modern infrastructure that combines satellite and fibre with 4G and 5G technologies, ensuring high-quality internet access across the entire national territory and beyond.