A Thuraya IP satellite broadband terminal. Photo: Thuraya

[Via Satellite 11-03-2014] Airtel Africa has partnered with Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) provider Thuraya to launch products and services from the company in 12 African countries. These products include the Thuraya SatSleeve and IP+ broadband terminals.

Airtel Africa is making these products and services available through subsidiaries in each country. Several of the 12, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia already have access to Thuraya MSS products. Airtel Africa is currently expanding to bring Thuraya products to all 12 nations.

According to Thuraya, Airtel Africa is the first and only African mobile network operator to offer instant ubiquitous 100 percent geographical coverage through terrestrial and mobile satellite connectivity as part of its portfolio of services. In the absence of terrestrial coverage, Airtel Africa’s customers can now use satellite solutions for voice communication, messaging, social media and broadband through Thuraya.