Africa-focused VSAT service provider InterSAT has selected the JUPITER System, developed by Hughes Network Systems, to power its new SkyFi satellite broadband service.

According to a statement from Hughes Network Systems, the service is aimed at consumers and micro/small-to-medium enterprises across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The companies have agreed that the latest generation JUPITER gateway and "hundreds of high speed customer terminals" will be implemented.

Hanif Kassam, chief executive officer, InterSAT, said, "The JUPITER System provides InterSAT with a significant competitive edge as we expand affordable, high-speed SkyFi service throughout Africa. In our search for the right partner, we concluded that Hughes provides the most technologically advanced platform with unmatched depth of experience in working closely with customers and end-users."

Hughes Networks said the High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) platformJUPITER System is designed with the advanced DVB-S2X industry standard and enables high capacity and efficiency for any satellite broadband implementation.

Optimal utilisation of HTS bandwidth provides operators significant cost and performance advantages, the company added.

Dharmendra Singh, assistant vice president, International Division, Hughes said, "We look forward to the start of this new partnership and to delivering the social and economic benefits of high-speed internet access to customers of InterSAT and its reseller partners."