This multi-year capacity agreement will enhance Vodacom’s current mission to implement its 3G network across the DRC by expanding the Intelsat-based cellular backhaul infrastructure supporting wireless services in Tanzania, Mozambique and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Vodacom also uses the Intelsat satellite fleet for international trunking, corporate networking, in-flight broadband and disaster recovery services across Africa.

"This agreement continues our decade-long support of Vodacom in Africa, and comes at a time of unprecedented demand for reliable communications access,” Intelsat Africa Sales Managing Director Jon Osler said in a statement. "Intelsat’s breadth of services in the region, and our expertise in supporting wireless operators, allows providers such as Vodacom to reach its business goals as it expands its presence across Africa."