by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Dec 14, 2023
Eutelsat Group (Paris:ETL) (LSE:ETL), a global satellite communications leader and the first to operate both Geostationary (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, has announced a groundbreaking exclusive distribution agreement with Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications and Technology (RLTT), a prominent Libyan telecom operator. This partnership, which marks a significant expansion in Eutelsat Group's services, is set to revolutionize connectivity across Libya.
The agreement entails Eutelsat OneWeb, Eutelsat Group's connectivity business unit, providing RLTT exclusive access to its LEO satellite constellation. This collaboration enhances RLTT's existing partnership with Eutelsat Group, adding LEO services to the current GEO offerings, thereby creating a comprehensive hybrid connectivity solution. Set to commence in early 2024, this multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract underscores the strengthening ties between Eutelsat Group and RLTT.
Eutelsat OneWeb's LEO services promise high-speed, low latency connectivity, addressing critical needs across various sectors in Libya. The technology will be pivotal in supporting industries such as Oil and Gas, Financial Services, as well as Government operations. Additionally, it will play a significant role in cellular backhaul for telecom operators and in providing remote connectivity for humanitarian organizations.
Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, emphasized the significance of this partnership. "Eutelsat OneWeb was formed to bring together GEO and LEO constellations to meet a growing customer need for integrated satellite connectivity, and the extension of our relationship with RLTT shows we are delivering," he stated. Dujardin highlighted the increasing global demand for high-speed connectivity and the diverse applications of their resilient LEO services, reflecting the company's commitment to bridging the digital divide worldwide.
Taha Ellafi, Chairman at Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications and Technology, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We are excited to bring Eutelsat's high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across various sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO powered connectivity, we can meet diverse customer needs without relying on multiple providers," Ellafi noted. He expressed eagerness for the exclusive deal to enhance connectivity throughout Libya.
This announcement aligns with Eutelsat OneWeb's rapid expansion in the African market, following a recent distribution agreement with NEC XON for Sub-Saharan Africa. The African continent is experiencing a surge in connectivity demands, and partnerships like these are instrumental in closing the digital divide, offering high-speed internet access irrespective of location.
Rawafed Libya For Telecommunications and Technology, established in 2012, has been a leader in Libya's telecom sector. The company specializes in a broad spectrum of telecommunications and technology solutions, including internet and telecom solutions across various industry sectors. RLTT's commitment to innovative and efficient solutions has positioned it as a key player in Libya's telecommunications landscape.
Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, emerged from the 2023 merger of Eutelsat and OneWeb, creating a unique GEO-LEO satellite operator. The group operates a fleet of 37 Geostationary satellites and a constellation of over 600 LEO satellites, catering to a wide range of customer needs in connectivity and broadcast services. The company's diverse suite of assets enables it to offer integrated solutions globally, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable and resilient connectivity solutions.
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