Intelsat and Q-KON to bring new broadband service to Zimbabwe

Satellite giant Intelsat and Q-KON a South African telecommunication company are planning to launch a new broadband product in Zimbabwe, well not only Zimbabwe but also Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

The product known as IntelsatOne Flex will according to intelsat:

“be targeting small businesses, schools at the metro edge, farmers, and hospitality businesses in more remote areas can receive the high-quality, affordable connectivity needed to support and grow their businesses and social programs.”

At this stage we are not really sure how this product will be deployed in Zimbabwe, but according to intelsat they will looking for partnerships will ‘small’ internet service providers.

“Broadband connectivity is spreading rapidly, but it is not spreading equally, as the economics have kept it out of reach in many parts of Africa,” said Brian Jakins, Intelsat’s regional vice president, Africa. “The technology to deliver services must be paired with new business models if telecom companies and network operators are to reach remote areas where broadband connectivity can empower economic growth. Intelsat is strongly committed to supporting Africa’s economies with better connectivity, and this collaboration with Q-KON will show how network operators can close the business case and expand enterprise operations, rural banking services and government programs to unserved areas and bridge the digital divide.”

It will be interesting how this new IntelsatOne Flex broadband product will be received in the market and hopefully bring a little bit of competition.