Sonatel is strengthening its Gandoul teleport with the deployment of Eutelsat OneWeb's Satellite Portal Network, expanding its digital infrastructure in Senegal.
The telecommunications operator said on Thursday the deployment includes 16 satellite antennas across approximately five hectares, together with a technical room meeting Tier III standards.
The infrastructure connects Eutelsat OneWeb's low-Earth orbit satellite constellation with terrestrial networks, enabling the delivery of high-speed internet services across Senegal, the wider region and international markets.
The investment comes as African countries increasingly turn to satellite connectivity to expand broadband access, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
According to Sonatel, the new gateway strengthens Senegal's digital sovereignty by securing and diversifying international connectivity routes, improving network resilience against technical and geopolitical risks, and supporting digital inclusion through broader broadband access.
The facility is also interconnected with submarine cables and Sonatel's national and international terrestrial networks, creating a hybrid satellite-and-fibre infrastructure to support the digital economy, innovation, start-ups, businesses and government agencies.
"With the deployment of this Eutelsat OneWeb gateway and its 16 next-generation satellite antennas, Sonatel is strengthening its historical teleport and confirming its commitment to long-term investment in high-level digital infrastructure serving Senegal and Africa," said Brelotte Ba, CEO of Sonatel.
The Gandoul teleport has hosted satellite connectivity services for several years and serves as an important hub for international digital traffic.
"The inauguration of the Gandoul gateway marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with Sonatel. This new infrastructure further strengthens OneWeb's terrestrial network and demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting resilient and reliable connectivity across the region," said Philippe Baudrier, managing director of Konnect Africa.
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