The affordability of broadband satellite Internet connectivity is resulting in growing demand for the technology from businesses located in urban areas across South Africa.
That’s according to MWEB Business GM Andre Joubert who says that when MWEB launched its VSAT satellite solution last year, the company anticipated that most demand would come from farmers and game lodges deep in the rural areas where connectivity alternatives are limited or don’t exist at all.
“However, we have been surprised at the number of enquiries we receive from businesses located in the country’s smaller towns as well as from those just outside the major metropolitan areas,” he says.
Joubert points out that ADSL connectivity is not yet available throughout the country and dial-up is not suited for most businesses. Then there is the perennial problem of copper cable theft which can leave businesses without connectivity for weeks, months or forever, should the copper not be replaced.
For many businesses that find themselves without a terrestrial option, the only alternative has been to opt for a 3G or – if 3G is not available – a 2G (GPRS) connection.
However, cellular coverage may be patchy in some areas of South Africa.
With MWEB’s VSAT connection there are no blind spots, it covers most parts of South Africa. “The speed and performance of the connection is consistent and predictable,” he adds.
While concerns are sometimes expressed that VSAT connectivity can be adversely affected by severe weather conditions, potential latency issues can be minimised by having a local teleport (receiving station).
“And with electricity prices soaring and supply to many areas often unreliable – coupled with the alarming theft of electrical cables – VSAT’s ability to operate off solar power is an additional advantage.
“Indeed, even if businesses don’t feel the need to install VSAT as their primary connectivity option, many are now looking to the technology to provide a reliable fail-over solution particularly as it is so quick and easy to install,” he says.
That’s according to MWEB Business GM Andre Joubert who says that when MWEB launched its VSAT satellite solution last year, the company anticipated that most demand would come from farmers and game lodges deep in the rural areas where connectivity alternatives are limited or don’t exist at all.
“However, we have been surprised at the number of enquiries we receive from businesses located in the country’s smaller towns as well as from those just outside the major metropolitan areas,” he says.
Joubert points out that ADSL connectivity is not yet available throughout the country and dial-up is not suited for most businesses. Then there is the perennial problem of copper cable theft which can leave businesses without connectivity for weeks, months or forever, should the copper not be replaced.
For many businesses that find themselves without a terrestrial option, the only alternative has been to opt for a 3G or – if 3G is not available – a 2G (GPRS) connection.
However, cellular coverage may be patchy in some areas of South Africa.
With MWEB’s VSAT connection there are no blind spots, it covers most parts of South Africa. “The speed and performance of the connection is consistent and predictable,” he adds.
While concerns are sometimes expressed that VSAT connectivity can be adversely affected by severe weather conditions, potential latency issues can be minimised by having a local teleport (receiving station).
“And with electricity prices soaring and supply to many areas often unreliable – coupled with the alarming theft of electrical cables – VSAT’s ability to operate off solar power is an additional advantage.
“Indeed, even if businesses don’t feel the need to install VSAT as their primary connectivity option, many are now looking to the technology to provide a reliable fail-over solution particularly as it is so quick and easy to install,” he says.