Afghanistan signs strategic partnership with Eutelsat to accelerate access to satellite infrastructure for digital services
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Afghanistan signs strategic partnership with Eutelsat to accelerate access to satellite infrastructure for digital services
“Fast track to Digital Afghanistan” says ICT Minister, Amirzai Sangin
Kabul, Paris, xxx 2014 — Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL), one of the world’s leading satellite operators, and the ICT Ministry of Afghanistan today announced they have signed an MOU giving Afghanistan satellite resources that will fast track deployment of its national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure as well as its international connectivity.
Under the multi-year agreement, Eutelsat will deploy an in-orbit satellite from next month to 48° East to deliver full national coverage and extensive reach of Central Asia and the Middle East. The satellite will be officially called AFGHANSAT 1 by the government, reflecting Afghanistan’s entry into the commercial satellite business.
AFGHANSAT 1 will support a wide range of services including broadcasting, mobile telephony backhaul and IP connectivity. Eutelsat and the ICT Ministry have also agreed on exploring opportunities for longer-term cooperation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the ICT Ministry in Kabul, Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat, said. “This agreement is the fastest and most effective route to accessing infrastructure that we have configured to deliver full coverage of Afghanistan and surrounding regions. It enables Afghanistan to scale up capacity as and when needed and to offer broadcasters, telcos and ISPs the immediate benefit of resources providing unparalleled reach. We are honoured to be Afghanistan’s chosen partner for this important initiative.”
Quote from Minister Sangin