Liquid Dataport and Intelsat enter service continuity partnership to maintain connectivity during crises.

Liquid Dataport, the international connectivity arm of Liquid Intelligent, has penned a deal with global satellite services provider Intelsat to provide redundant connectivity, especially relevant during power outages or other crises.

Branded as ‘service continuity’, the partnership is designed for client organisations to maintain connectivity to business-critical applications during power cuts, by accessing low-power satellite equipment, which runs from solar panels or small generators. These services are already being provided in South Africa.

David Eurin, CEO, Liquid Dataport, says: “Access to high-speed connectivity is critical to the digital transformation in Africa, as the continent works towards becoming a digital economy. However, the impact of intermittent availability of electricity in recent years is a major hurdle in Africa becoming a digital economy. However, due to our collaboration with Intelsat, we can now help businesses remain connected even during the hours of loadshedding [state planned power outages]. This project will prove to be a key asset to bridge the digital divide as businesses will no longer be impacted by connectivity downtime.”

Rhys Morgan, VP and GM, EMEA Media and Networks Sales, Intelsat, says: "Leveraging our global network, we look forward to supporting Liquid Dataport’s efforts for businesses in South Africa in minimising disruptions caused by loadshedding.”

The announcement was made at the AfricaCom event, which is currently taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.