Artist’s rendition of an Astra 2 series satellite. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

[Via Satellite 04-27-2016] Facebook has signed a satellite broadband deal with SES for high-speed connectivity services in Sub-Saharan Africa. This agreement will support Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi program, which is part of the company’s Internet.org initiative to connect the world.

SES will supply capacity from three satellites — Astra 2G, Astra 3B and Astra 4A — as well as customized SES Enterprise+ broadband services. The operator has designed a highly tailored service using its satellite, data center and implementation services with integrated features such as security, protocol enhancement, and hosting. The solution includes Gilat Satellite Networks’ X-Architecture platform, a distributed VSAT ground segment architecture based on a cloud design and Software Defined Networking (SDN) to support fixed and mobile satellite communications. X-Architecture will enable Facebook’s local African partners to deliver Internet services to communities with limited or no Internet connectivity using the social media network’s Express Wi-Fi access product.