Calling ground control

Following its successful refinancing in January, Avanti is gathering momentum once again. It has today announced a very significant partnership for sub-Saharan Africa connectivity with Millicom, a top three player in the African telecom market. Avanti is not only to provide 4G backhaul services via its satellite network to improve access in remote and rural areas, but is also to build a new Gateway Earth Station in Senegal to enhance performance across the region. The site is to be co-located with Millicom operations and will service existing HYLAS 2 coverage as well as those from HYLAS 4. We await confirmation of a launch date in H217 for the new satellite, but today’s announcement appears to confirm Avanti’s Ka-band technology remains at the forefront of satellite connectivity.