The Connectivity Challenge in Africa
Across all the continents where satellite technology could perhaps make the biggest impact is Africa. Historically at the back of the queue for new fibre optic submarine cable landings, and although that has improved recently, terrestrial fibre backhaul investment continues to lag.
60% of the African population has access to less than 10Mb of Internet Connectivity. This figure would be even higher if one were to exclude the relative high-speed connectivity available in North African States, South Africa and Kenya.
Africa’s geography and geo-politics do not help the situation either, with desert, mountainous regions and rivers creating natural obstacles for the build-out of terrestrial fibre. Central and Western Africa in particular, lack highspeed connectivity, which impacts the economic growth opportunities available to the public and businesses alike, particularly in rural areas.
The explosion of LEO Satellite Constellations offers a solution, but the ground satellite segment has not caught up, fixed tracking antennas and flat panel antennas are expensive, and remain out of the reach of most African SMBs or local governments. The majority of companies utilising this technology on the continent are North American, European or Chinese corporations operating on the continent that can afford the high prices required to access strong satellite internet connectivity.
The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where strong internet connections could make a huge difference for schools, agricultural production, medical centres and other government operations.
Satraka’s Solution to Address the Challenges
Satraka uses cutting-edge and patent-pending technologies to design and manufacture Tracking Antennas and Flat Panel Antennas for satellite connectivity to either fixed sites or mobility platforms. Our innovative design delivers high performing antennas that are network agnostic, with a low SWaP format (size, weight and power).
Our technology requires far less manufacturing process, meaning we can market our antennas at a much lower cost of the market leading brands, removing cost-barriers and enabling this crucial source of connectivity to small business, schools, government institutions and millions of households across the continent.
For more information, please contact us at: info@Satraka.com.
Better On-Board Connectivity – Satraka’s Solution for Long Distance Coaches
The long-distance coach market in Europe continues to experience significant growth, thanks to various factors including market liberalisation, enhanced cross-border connectivity and an increasing demand for affordable travel options compared to rail and air. As of 2023, the European long-distance coach market was valued at €20 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% until 2030 (prnewswire.com).
However, the market still faces challenges. Long-distance coach travel is still perceived as less comfortable than trains or flights, particularly for journeys longer than 4 hours, coupled with the perception of poor and unreliable on-board connectivity. For example, a recent test of complimentary onboard Wi-Fi in Scotland revealed initial speeds of approximately 1.9 Mbps while stationary, dropping to around 474 Kbps during travel, rendering video streaming impractical. (source: The Times).
Better data connectivity would certainly encourage more people to choose long-distance coaches, especially younger travellers, business commuters and tourists.
High-speed, stable internet connectivity would allow seamless video calls, cloud access, and VPN usage, making coach travel a viable alternative to trains or planes. For younger generations, high consumers of streaming, gaming, and social media platforms during travel, long trips would be significantly more enjoyable and shorter with stronger internet connection.
Tourists able to use on-board WiFi would be able to avoid mobile data roaming fees. If long-distance coaches provided high-speed, unlimited internet, more travellers would choose coaches for cross-border trips. It would also improve the experience of using translation apps, navigation tools, and travel guides in real-time.
However, implementation would require investment in stronger internet connectivity, through either cellular or satellite networks, in a market where Pricing Pressure & Profit Margins are a constant challenge for operators.
Satraka’s antennas could be the catalyst for growth, enabling reliable high speed internet connectivity throughout the journey at a price that can be scaled across the fleet.
Satraka’s innovative technology is bringing a new generation of antennas to the market, both for enhanced Cellular and Satellite Connectivity. Our cellular network agnostic antennas increase signal strength ten-fold, allowing on-board customer the ability to download video content. Our Satellite antennas are able to track and connect to LEO constellations, guaranteeing broadband connectivity from any location, allowing commuters access to UC tools such as Video Conferencing, with faster and secure access to business applications via the VPN.
Satraka’s advanced technology allows for much of the cost associated with existing antennas on the market to be significantly reduced – creating hardware savings of up to 60%, allowing for the first time the possibility of scaling the technology out across entire fleets.
To find out more about what the industry is excited about Satraka’s products and technology, please visit us at: www.satraka.com or contact at: info@Satraka.com
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