Ka-band satellite rollout progressing

Vox Telecom has said that the rollout of South Africa’s first Ka-band satellite service - designed to provide a backup for urban broadband users - is progressing well.

Jacques Visser, YahClick Project Manager at Vox Telecom, has today said that the rollout of South Africa’s first Ka-band broadband satellite service is “progressing well”.

The country’s first Ka-band satellite service, YahClick, was launched by telecommunications group Vox Telecom in conjunction with Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat. Ka-band satellites transmit many highly focused, overlapping ‘spot beams’, each covering a relatively small area, which allows for access to greater bandwidth at a lower cost.

Although the service is expected to provide reliable backup for urban broadband users who may occasionally lose transmission due to cable theft or loss of signal, Vox Telecom’s first objective is to provide much-needed primary high-speed connections to un-serviced and rural businesses and communities.

“66% of our @lantic customers live in isolated areas, which led us to believe that there is a significant, untapped market for more affordable and diverse Internet services in rural communities,” Visser has said.

Visser went on to say that several users are already enjoying the benefits of the service. “Installations began earlier this month, and we’ve received extremely positive feedback,” he stated. “We expect to install at full capacity within the next few months.”

Vox Telecom has previously announced that the YahClick service will comprise of a range of packages, starting with a basic plan priced at under R200 per month, to more comprehensive business packages that allow for faster downloads and greater data usage. Hundreds of installation service providers are being trained and placed across outlying areas of the country to ensure that users have access to localised after-sales care and technical support.

“This is a major milestone for South Africa and we’re looking forward to changing the South African broadband landscape,” Visser concluded.

YahClick is available through @lantic, Vox Telecom and official reseller channels.

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