Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a mobile satellite services (MSS) operator and Bharti Airtel have agreed to provide Airtel Africa customers in 17 African countries with mobile satellite products and services.
Following the deal, Airtel Africa customers will get voice and broadband connectivity through ’s satellite network across Africa’s remote area.
Airtel Africa will sell Thuraya’s products and airtime packages at their retail outlets and through their Enterprise account team from May this year, the mobile phone company said.
Samer Halawi, CEO of Thuraya said that, “partnership with Airtel Africa is a very positive development in bridging the digital divide in Africa. We recognize the massive impact that access to reliable communications can have on the lives of ordinary people. Thuraya’s robust satellite network will enable Airtel Africa to provide its consumer and enterprise users with reliable, high quality voice and broadband services. Thuraya is well-positioned to support customer-centric mobile operators like Airtel Africa that are looking to extend their network and services with satellite-based solutions.”
Also commenting on the alliance, Christian de Faria, CEO of Airtel Africa added that, “providing reliable connectivity in many remote parts of Africa can be challenging. This partnership enables us to further extend our coverage and services for businesses and general consumers who live or work in very remote areas. Thuraya’s satellite services will be combined with the reliable, high-quality voice calls and broadband access that our customers are accustomed to experiencing in our urban centers.”