Artist rendition of the Eutelsat KONNECT satellite. Photo: Eutelsat

Eutelsat has begun direct distribution broadband through Konnect, its retail distribution arm, in Europe and Africa, Eutelsat announced Monday.

With Konnect, Eutelsat is using a multi-channel retail strategy with online distribution and telesales in Europe and a multiple channel partners and retail stores in Africa. Initial retail distribution will be focused on the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Portugal in Europe and Côte d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, progressively increasing to cover the 15 European and 39 African markets in Eutelsat KONNECT satellite’s footprint.

Eutelsat has signed KONNECT broadband capacity contracts for France and Italy with Orange and Telecom Italia, respectively.

Eutelsat said it is offering fiber-like download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and unlimited data plans with a range of plans starting at 25 euros per month in Europe and $15 per month in Africa. In Africa, the startup kit will be priced at a maximum of $99, which Eutelsat said is compatible with the high-growth pre-paid market.

“Konnect is the name of our satellite and our brand, articulating in a single word, an exciting new direction for the Eutelsat Group. At a time when the demand for reliable, affordable high-speed broadband has never been higher, Konnect offers an immediately accessible solution for individuals, businesses, and institutions living beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure,” commented Eutelsat deputy CEO Michel Azibert.