Eutelsat and Bayobab sign multi-year LEO satellite connectivity deal

Eutelsat Group and Bayobab, a subsidiary of MTN Group, have entered into a multi-year agreement to utilise Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity on Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation. This strategic collaboration aims to address the growing connectivity needs of enterprises and cellular backhaul across Africa, delivering reliable solutions that enhance network performance and improve customer experiences.

Bayobab, a digital and infrastructure service provider in Africa, will use Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation to offer fixed connectivity services. The initiative will notably expand coverage in rural areas, providing high-quality connectivity with reduced latency. The deployment is expected to be fully implemented across the continent by December 2024, with services already operational in four African countries.

Commenting on the deal, Cyril Dujardin, Co-President of the Eutelsat Group Connectivity Business Unit said: “We are proud to count Bayobab and the broader MTN Group amongst Africa’s early adopters of the Eutelsat/OneWeb LEO constellation. This partnership underscores the commitment of both Eutelsat and Bayobab to drive digital inclusion, and the pertinence of innovative satellite solutions to achieve this aim, notably the unique properties of ubiquitous, low latency LEO capacity.”

Frédéric Schepens, Bayobab’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “At Bayobab, we’re passionate about being at the forefront of harnessing technology to empower people and businesses across Africa. Our partnership with Eutelsat and the integration of OneWeb’s LEO satellite services into our solutions is a testament to this commitment. This collaboration brings cutting-edge digital connectivity to even the most remote corners of the continent and reaffirms our promise of ‘Connecting Africa’ – a promise rooted in partnership and driven by a vision of a digitally inclusive future.”

This partnership between Eutelsat and Bayobab represents a crucial advancement in bridging Africa’s digital divide, offering enhanced connectivity solutions that empower communities across the region.