SkyVision’s satellite hub to complement fibre optic cable

By JAMES RATEMO

Reliance on satellite connectivity has proved key with the recent undersea cable hitch, which saw companies experience interrupted Internet connectivity.

The incident has sparked renewed interest in satellite technology, with UK-based SkyVision Global Networks LLC, a leading global provider of Internet Protocol connectivity over satellite and fiber optic systems, announcing the launch of a local hub in Nairobi, to support SkyVision’s virtual private network solutions.

SkyVision is a satellite-based service that enables organisations to connect their Wide Area Network sites, providing enterprises with a means to share information and collaborate via voice and data applications.

Speaking in Nairobi ahead of the EAComm conference, SkyVision Regional Sales Director Ami Benayoum said during the Seacom downtime last week, major regional telecoms like UTL, TTCL, MTN Uganda and Rwandatel relied on partial and or full capacity on the satellite back-up to keep their services running.

Benayoum said the setting up of the Nairobi hub will help corporates headquartered here operate a more close knit and accessible operation with their branch offices.

Satellite solutions

"With an initial investment of over Sh80 million regional corporates are set to benefit from satellite solutions that offer real time, cost effective and over 99 per cent reliability," he said.

"The new local hub in Nairobi allows the firm to provide low latency solutions, connecting corporate headquarters to the hub by terrestrial link and ensuring optimal function of enterprise applications," said Patrick Malungu, head of SkyVision operations in Nairobi.

The firm’s Nairobi establishment will allow for the Government, corporations and individuals to connect with every square inch as a last mile solution in Kenya.

Using satellite technology, SkyVision’s services are designed to complement fiber on the far to reach places.

As it stands the beneficiaries will be the remote locations in Kenya and the region, government locations, the digital villages, CDF and emergency projects.