Internet-starved areas in Gabon could get a boost thanks to a deal inked between broadband satellite networks and services provider Hughes Network Systems and Internet Gabon (IG).

IG Telecom plans to use Hughes HN System, comprising a Network Operations Center (NOC) and up to 2,000 HN9260 routers, to expand high-speed satellite internet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to homes and small-to-medium business (SMBs) in under-served areas of Gabon and neighboring countries.

In addition, Hughes plans to implement its customised antenna solution to enable IG Telecom to deliver a triple play offering including the French direct-to-home (DTH) television service Canal +.

"We evaluated Hughes along with other broadband satellite system providers and found the Hughes HN System to be the most reliable and cost effective," said Alain Ba Oumar, president of IG Telecom.

"The NOC and routers will be a big part of our initiative to extend Internet services to currently un-served areas. An additional benefit is the ability to provide our customers with DTH service using the same outdoor equipment."

The value of the deal between the two firms, though, has not been disclosed.