The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has entered into a partnership with Intelsat SA and Gilat Satellite Networks to provide high-speed telecom services to under-served rural areas of the country.

According to the agreement, the UCC will leverage IntelsatOne Mobile Reach Solar 3G service, provided via the satellite internet connectivity firm's 37th satellite, as well as the SkyEdge II-c multi-application from Gilat Satellite Networks.

Godfrey Mutabazi, Executive Director of UCC said, "With over 80% of our population living in rural areas, this represents a technological and budgetary challenge. Through this combined effort and the innovative approach that businesses are taking, we believe that citizens in some of our most isolated communities will soon experience the power of reliable connectivity and the economic and social benefits it provides."

The partnership is expected to also benefit telecoms operators including MTN which stated that the UCC partnership with Intelsat and Gilat will enable it to expand its network.

Gordon Kyomukama, MTN Uganda's Technical Director said, "At MTN, extending the footprint of our network and services to ensure we connect more people has been and remains a priority for our company. As part of this strategy, we are looking for new and innovative ways to effectively extend our network to rural areas because we believe that every society deserves to be connected."