Satellite broadband provider, Yahsat, has signed a partnership agreement with internet service provider iWayAfrica for on-ground satellite broadband support services and coverage across Uganda.

Senior executives from both companies, including Yahsat's Chief Commercial Officer, David Murphy, and iWayAfrica's Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Welthagen, as well as Chief Technology Officer, Guy Schalker, signed the new partnership on the sidelines of AfricaCom 2015 currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa.

iWayAfrica is an established ISP in Africa and offers solutions over satellite, fibre optic and wireless networks.

The ISP will provide in-country user equipment, installation and customer care services and the partners will offer broadband packages targeting the business and home user markets.

Yahsat's Murphy said. "We are delighted to be partnering with iWayAfrica to deliver YahClick's quality high-speed broadband via satellite to Uganda. iWayAfrica understands the unique requirements of this market. They will support us in a country where there is a massive growth demand for reliable internet access."

iWayAfrica's Uganda CEO, Godfrey Sserwamukoko, commented: "The partnership will enable iWayAfrica Uganda to offer Ka band VSAT connectivity in areas within Uganda not currently covered by other service providers."

The new service agreement will come into immediate effect. Users will be able to instantly connect to the internet via a small satellite dish and satellite modem anywhere in Uganda. The satellite technology will provide reliable internet services, even in the remotest places, without the need for terrestrial infrastructure.

In January Yahsat announced the completion of the Preliminary Design Review for its third satellite, the Al Yah 3.

The satellite is expected to cover 17 countries and 600 million users with broadband services, representing 60% of the population of Africa.