SOUTH AFRICA

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SOUTH AFRICA

One of Skywire ’ s initial OneWeb applications was a unique mobile solution designed to support voter enrolment in rural communities . Tasked with tight deadlines , NEC XON and Skywire coordinated resources rapidly from initial notification to final deployment within two weeks .

The team worked tirelessly to install and test the solution aboard a mobile community service centre in time for its presentation by the Western Cape Premier at Parliament . This installation included a specially sourced self-levelling bracket to accommodate rural terrains , ensuring reliable connectivity in remote locations .

Johan Botha , Chief Commercial Officer at Skywire , says : “ The OneWeb solution offered by NEC XON provides a seamless , highavailability network . It directly connects to satellites in LEO , Low Earth Orbit , ensuring uninterrupted service even in the most remote locations .”

According to Faried Souma , General Manager of Wireless at NEC XON , “ The partnership with Skywire exemplifies our ability to meet the diverse connectivity needs of remotely accessed businesscritical applications , enabling real-time decision-making and enhancing operational resilience .”

Faried Souma , General Manager Wireless , NEC XON

NEC XON ’ s OneWeb solution provides an answer where terrestrial towers are not available . This includes areas like the Northern Cape and the Karoo , where using clear line of sight over longer distances is problematic due to mountainous terrain . LEO satellite offers higher speeds , low latency , ~ 70ms compared to over 600ms with GEO networks , and dependable uptime even in rugged areas .

This LEO satellite solution enables Skywire to deliver reliable service where traditional networks cannot reach , with faster installations and reduced operational costs .

The NEC XON OneWeb deployment goes beyond hardware . NEC XON ’ s fully configured satellite user terminals and Skywire ’ s trained technical teams ensure smooth and efficient installations . A unique management interface provides Skywire with visibility overall customer terminals , enhancing proactive maintenance and support capabilities .

Customers now have access to enhanced connectivity solutions , whether for mobile applications in social development , healthcare , or government services , or as a primary or backup connectivity option for industries like mining , retail , and construction .

Skywire ’ s decision to partner with NEC XON for the OneWeb satellite solution reflects the strength of their long-standing relationship . Over the years , NEC XON has supported Skywire ’ s expansion , including significant deployments of NEC licensed spectrum microwave equipment . This partnership has proven essential in delivering innovative solutions such as OneWeb , allowing Skywire to provide unmatched service to customers even in remote and challenging locations .

The success of the OneWeb deployment has drawn interest from a variety of sectors eager to benefit from low-latency , high-availability connectivity . Moving forward , NEC XON and Skywire plan to expand OneWeb services into sectors such as mining , oil and gas , and border security , with additional focus on the retail and banking sectors .

By delivering powerful connectivity in remote areas , the OneWeb solution is poised to play a transformative role in South Africa ’ s digital future . •

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