Innovative satellite solution connects South Africa's remote areas

NEC XON, in partnership with Skywire, has successfully deployed an innovative OneWeb satellite solution tailored to meet the connectivity challenges faced by rural communities and remote enterprises across South Africa

This collaboration has resulted in a high-availability solution that supports both mobile and fixed connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, addressing critical needs in community services, disaster recovery, and diverse business sectors.

Unique application: Voter enrollment in rural areas

One of Skywire’s initial OneWeb applications was a mobile solution designed to support voter enrollment in rural communities. Tasked with tight deadlines, NEC XON and Skywire rapidly coordinated resources, completing deployment within two weeks. This installation, aboard a mobile community service center, included a specially sourced self-levelling bracket to ensure reliable connectivity in remote locations.

An End-to-End connectivity solution for rural applications

NEC XON’s OneWeb solution provides connectivity where terrestrial towers aren’t available, such as the Northern Cape and the Karoo. The LEO satellite offers higher speeds, low latency (~70ms compared to over 600ms with GEO networks), and dependable uptime even in rugged areas. This solution enables Skywire to deliver reliable service where traditional networks cannot reach, with faster installations and reduced operational costs.

Building on a trusted partnership

Skywire’s decision to partner with NEC XON reflects their long-standing relationship. Over the years, NEC XON has supported Skywire’s expansion, including deployments of NEC licensed spectrum microwave equipment. This partnership has been essential in delivering innovative solutions like OneWeb, allowing Skywire to provide unmatched service to customers even in challenging locations.

“NEC XON’s dedication and expertise in delivering a satellite solution with OneWeb that meets Skywire’s high standards of connectivity has been invaluable. The team’s commitment to meeting tight deadlines and supporting our mission is something we greatly value as we continue to grow our service offerings.” – Johan Botha, chief commercial officer, Skywire

Expanding access to new sectors and communities

The success of the OneWeb deployment has drawn interest from various sectors eager to benefit from low-latency, high-availability connectivity. NEC XON and Skywire plan to expand OneWeb services into sectors such as mining, oil & gas, and border security, with additional focus on retail and banking. By delivering powerful connectivity in remote areas, the OneWeb solution is poised to play a transformative role in South Africa’s digital future.