To Share, To Support, To Inform

Within the broadband satellite industry, 2025 is the year that changed everything and yet nothing is different – at least not yet.

ST Engineering iDirect is redefining satellite network operations with its new AI-powered network analytics platform demonstrating how predictive analytics, real-time insights, and anomaly detection are empowering operators to anticipate and resolve network issues before they escalate.

While Elon Musk’s Starlink remains entangled in South African regulatory hurdles, local satellite operator Q-KON is gearing up to launch its own consumer satellite internet service.

As a leading African Satellite solutions provider, Q-KON has confirmed its support for Eutelsat’s recent brand consolidation under the Eutelsat name, with OneWeb retained for its LEO constellation.

While SpaceX’s Starlink has yet to launch in South Africa, Eutelsat OneWeb is gaining ground with local businesses and government. The OneWeb fleet comprises 648 satellites orbiting the Earth at around 1,200km in 12 synchronised orbital planes. By partnering with Q-KON, compliance with local telecommunications regulations is ensured. The Twoobii-OneWeb service, developed by Q-KON, combines the inherent advantages of LEO satellite technology with reliable service delivery, commercially viable models, and dedicated on-site support. The solution enables seamless integration with core networks, offers uncapped primary service profiles, and supports flexible billing options, including pay-per-use models for backup services.

Q-KON, a leading satellite communication provider, has recently shared the success of its Twoobii-LEO satellite service, powered by Eutelsat OneWeb, in transforming connectivity for South Africa’s financial sector. Leveraging low-Earth orbit (LEO) technology, which offers low latency and high-speed internet, Q-KON has partnered with major South African banks to enhance secure, reliable communication across branch networks.

Q-KON and Rivada Space Networks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver next-generation satellite connectivity across Africa and beyond. Q-KON will use Rivada’s advanced Outernet, a secure Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, to enhance data resiliency, network performance, and cybersecurity for critical enterprises such as banks, financial institutions, and security-sensitive sectors.

Q-KON, a leading satellite services provider, has expanded its enterprise connectivity offering by partnering with South African telecoms operator Vox. Through this collaboration, Vox is now a reseller of Q-KON’s Twoobii Super Smart Satellite Solutions, powered by Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The global Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite industry is rapidly expanding, with operators like SpaceX’s Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb already serving Africa. As more companies prepare to enter the market, these satellites offer high-performance, low-cost connectivity. However, their standard services often don’t meet the specific needs of niche markets, such as Africa’s enterprise sector.

Viasat is partnering with Telespazio and the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide secure satellite connectivity for future lunar missions. As part of the Moonlight program, Viasat will design and develop the communication network for lunar landers, rovers, and orbiters, as well as the Earth and lunar surface infrastructure.

Partner2Connect (P2C) is a global initiative launched by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) with the mission to foster universal connectivity and drive digital transformation worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and commitments made under the P2C framework, the ITU is able to mobilize essential resources and ensure reliable connectivity.

Cloud computing offers multiple advantages for businesses. However, harnessing its benefits requires reliable and rapid connectivity. With this in place, the cloud can have a transformative effect on businesses across multiple sectors. Q-KON, in partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, provides a solution through Twoobii Super Smart LEO Satellite Services.

Year-end times are for reflecting on the road travelled and planning for the way ahead. For us as Q-KON, 2024 was both very successful and very challenging as the satellite industry grows and changes.

Eutelsat OneWeb has partnered with Q-KON to expand LEO satellite services across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the southern region.

Q-KON has been a leader in innovative satellite, wireless, and unified communication solutions for over 35 years, focusing on the African market. With a strong emphasis on system engineering, we provide comprehensive services, including turnkey projects and satellite network solutions.

Satellite technology is rapidly evolving, bringing new possibilities for connectivity across Africa. With the launch of mega-constellations like those from Starlink and OneWeb, high-speed internet could soon reach the remotest regions.

ICASA is set to transform South Africa’s satellite landscape with a new licensing framework that could pave the way for major players like Starlink to enter the market. Stay tuned as the regulatory shake-up promises to simplify approvals and address high spectrum costs, potentially reshaping satellite communications in the region.

The satellite industry is experiencing a dynamic transformation with the rapid development of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations like Starlink and OneWeb, alongside traditional Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. Led by advancements in launch technology and propelled by innovative applications, this sector is poised for substantial growth and strategic evolution in global communications.

In the context of Satellite technology innovations, industry alignments and constellation developments, what does multi-orbit services mean for Africa? How could these services impact the connectivity landscape in Africa, and will multi-orbit satellite services deliver significant value in Africa? We consider these dynamics and provide an on-the-ground perspective.

Navigating Latency in Satellite Networks and Exploring its Impact on User Experience Does Latency actually matter? A good question to ask in a time when LEO is all the rage and people and businesses are educating themselves on the opportunities that satellite broadband can afford them. In this article on...