In a significant move set to transform the telecommunications landscape in Namibia, Paratus Namibia has officially launched Eutelsat’s pioneering OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service. This innovative offering is tailored to meet the diverse connectivity needs of both residential and commercial customers across the nation. By merging high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity with competitive pricing and an enhanced customer management solution, Paratus aims to elevate the digital experience for Namibians.

The launch of the OneWeb LEO service in Namibia is not merely a new chapter for Paratus; it represents the culmination of a long-standing and fruitful partnership between Paratus and Eutelsat in Africa. Andrew Hall, Managing Director of Paratus Namibia, emphasizes the significance of this launch:

“We are bringing more than just another satellite connectivity option to Namibia. Paratus has considerable LEO experience across the continent, and we can now deliver that scale and technical expertise to our customers here, together with competitive packages with much greater control over how they manage their connectivity.”

In its pursuit of empowering Namibians, Paratus Namibia introduces various competitive capped and uncapped packages allowing users greater flexibility, control, and value. The introduction of the Paratus Eutelsat OneWeb LEO service promises fast, reliable connectivity across Namibia, enhancing access in areas where traditional terrestrial services may have reached their limits.

Furthermore, clients will have access to the sturdy infrastructure and customer support that Paratus is known for. The Paratus customer management platform not only enhances user experience through increased visibility—allowing consumers to monitor their data usage—but also bolsters business continuity by providing robust network options for commercial clients. As Hall notes:

“For customers anywhere in the country and particularly those operating in areas where terrestrial connectivity is limited, they will have a reliable, high-performance alternative backed by a team that already understands how to deploy and support LEO connectivity across Africa.”

Unmatchable Speeds and Latency

Philippe Baudrier, the Vice-President for Africa at Eutelsat, reinforces the transformative nature of this launch:

“This launch means more customers in Namibia can access the connectivity that supports everyday life and economic activity. Our OneWeb LEO network combines high speeds and low latency with the ability to reach locations beyond terrestrial coverage and strengthen the resilience of existing networks.”
His statement underscores the commitment to not merely provide service but to enhance overall connectivity infrastructure in the region.

The implementation of the services aligns with Paratus Group’s comprehensive strategy to broaden resilient, high-performance connectivity across the African continent. This initiative is a direct result of a multi-year agreement signed with Eutelsat in November 2022 aimed at extending OneWeb LEO services in Southern Africa. Schalk Erasmus, the CEO of Paratus Group, elaborates:

“The agreement builds on the longstanding partnership between Paratus and Eutelsat. It supports our deployment of LEO connectivity in South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, and complements the Paratus Group’s existing terrestrial and satellite infrastructure throughout Africa.”

Satellite terminal used for low-Earth orbit communication technology.

One of the defining features of this innovative service lies in its technology. The offering utilizes electronically steered, self-aligning flat-panel satellite terminals devoid of moving parts—a testament to modern engineering and design. For residential customers, the service boasts impressive speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s for downloads and 10 Mbit/s for uploads, while business-tier packages provide up to 100 Mbit/s down and 20 Mbit/s up. This blend of performance and reliability positions the Paratus Eutelsat OneWeb service not only for households but also for a wide array of applications including farms, lodges, tourism operations, mining sectors, and even remote offices and branch networks.

Every installation is conducted by a fully trained Paratus technician, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service and support. A 24/7/365 customer service team is on standby to address any potential issues, further affirming Paratus' commitment to customer satisfaction.

About Paratus Namibia

As a part of the Paratus Group, Paratus Namibia stands as a leading pan-African network operator, dedicated to delivering business and home connectivity, as well as hosting, co-location, and cloud services. Over the years, Paratus has cultivated a reputation for providing Africa's quality network through numerous infrastructure development initiatives. This steadfast commitment extends to continuous evolution and digital transformation across the region.

Utilizing various access technologies—such as fibre, broadband wireless access, SKY-Fi, and VSAT—alongside fixed and mobile LTE services—Paratus guarantees its customers a stable, reliable, and scalable unlimited network. This infrastructure is key for ensuring redundancy, disaster recovery, and route diversity, delivering maximum uptime to its users. Paratus Namibia also hosts its own satellite earth station, intricately linked to its fibre backbone, which facilitates effective VSAT capacity distribution throughout the country.

With a robust operational foundation supported by numerous international points of presence in Africa and worldwide, Paratus Namibia is dedicated to securing uninterrupted connectivity for its consumers. A state-of-the-art, ISO-certified and tier-3-by-design data centre located in Windhoek enhances its offering, providing secure co-location services.

Motivated by a resolute belief in Africa's potential, Paratus Namibia continues to invest in both infrastructure and innovative connectivity solutions aimed at delivering tangible value while facilitating progress across the continent.

As this groundbreaking service takes flight, the enthusiasm on social media reflects a palpable excitement for improved connectivity. Users across platforms are expressing their hopes and expectations about the impact of this service on everyday life, employment opportunities, and finally, bridging the digital divide in remote areas of Namibia. One Twitter user remarked:

“Can’t wait to experience the high-speed internet! This will change lives in rural Namibia.”

Others shared sentiments of optimism regarding how this connectivity would bolster local economies:

“Better internet means better opportunities for small businesses. We finally feel included in the digital era!”
This feedback highlights an emerging trend where Namibians are eager for growth and improvement in connectivity, essential for both education and business.

As the world continues to evolve digitally, Paratus Namibia's launch of Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO connectivity symbolizes a turning point—one that promises to uplift Namibians, driving progress and fostering an interconnected society. The future looks bright for connectivity in the country, reinforcing the belief that Paratus is not just an operator, but a partner in advancing digital transformation in Africa.