Thuraya Telecommunications Company has partnered with Bharti Airtel to provide Airtel subscribers with mobile satellite products and services in 17 countries in Africa through Thuraya’s satellite network in Africa’s most remote areas.
Airtel Africa will sell Thuraya’s products and airtime packages at its retail outlets and via its enterprise account team.
It is expected that Thuraya satellite network will help bridge the digital divide by extension of mobile networks into remote or rural areas by providing an immediate and cost-effective way for Airtel to extend its coverage, while generating new revenue streams and providing vital connectivity.
“Thuraya’s partnership with Airtel Africa is a very positive development in bridging the digital divide in Africa. We recognise the massive impact that access to reliable communications can have on the lives of ordinary people,” Samer Halawi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Thuraya, said.
“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.”
Christian de Faria, CEO of Airtel Africa said: “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 centres.”
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