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Eutelsat OneWeb to deliver connectivity services across Libya

Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its LEO powered connectivity constellation, delivering full connectivity over Libya from early 2024.

Eutelsat Group has announced the signing of an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between its connectivity business unit, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT), the prominent Libyan telecoms operator. This agreement is set to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity across Libya, expanding RLTT’s collaboration with Eutelsat Group to encompass a hybrid bundle of enhanced GEO and LEO services.

In this new venture, Eutelsat OneWeb will extend exclusive access to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) powered connectivity constellation, ensuring comprehensive coverage over Libya starting in early 2024. The multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract solidifies the longstanding relationship between Eutelsat Group and RLTT.

The high-speed, low-latency connectivity services are poised to cater to a diverse range of applications, including commercial connectivity for the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries, Government sectors, cellular backhaul for telecoms operators, and remote connectivity for humanitarian organisations.

Commenting on the deal, Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said: “Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering. We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. By building on existing customer relationships, we are able to grow the business in international markets and continue to bridge the digital divide globally.”

Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology, added: “We have been working with Eutelsat Group for several years now and are excited to bring its high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across the oil and gas, cellular backhaul and humanitarian sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we are able to meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Through this exclusive deal, we look forward to bringing unmatched connectivity across Libya.”

This announcement aligns with Eutelsat OneWeb’s rapid expansion in the African market, following a recent distribution agreement with NEC XON covering Sub-Saharan Africa in November.