Satellite operator Eutelsat has renewed its partnership with Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) to supply satellite connectivity for the NGO’s operations, while separately announcing it has hit its ITU Partner2Connect target of connecting 1 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa well ahead of schedule.
Eutelsat said the agreement with TSF – which was announced on Thursday – builds upon the first patronage convention initiated in 2022 and further strengthens its collaboration with TSF that dates back to 2007.
TSF offers direct aid to affected communities while supporting coordination centres with essential connectivity, with the ability to deploy within 24 hours of a sudden crisis.
Since 2022, Eutelsat’s contributions to TSF initiatives have enabled the NGO to assist 152,000 people globally, including 1,900 individuals affected by natural disasters, as well as 90,000 refugees and migrants. Eutelsat also said it has helped train over 600 youth in digital literacy and vocational skills via its work with TSF.
The day before the TSF announcement, Eutelsat announced that it had not only fulfilled its commitment under its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition programme to connect 1 million underserved people in sub-Saharan Africa to reliable high-speed internet via satellite, but had done so two years ahead of schedule.
Eutelsat said its Konnect hotspots Wi-Fi services have been instrumental in delivering affordable, high-speed internet to rural areas in the region where terrestrial networks remain inaccessible, with speeds ranging from 5 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Eutelsat said the service has provided individuals, schools, businesses, and healthcare centers with essential digital access and unlocked opportunities for education, e-commerce and critical services.
“With both Eutelsat’s GEO satellite fleet and OneWeb’s LEO constellation, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that connectivity drives meaningful economic and social progress, empowering communities to thrive in the digital era,” said Eutelsat Group CEO Eva Berneke in a statement.
