(Ecofin Agency) - Eutelsat has chosen General Dynamics Satcom Technologies and Hugues Networks Systems to help it deploy its Konnect satellite programme in Africa.

General Dynamics Satcom Technologies will deploy seven ground antennas while Hugues Networks Systems will provide its ground network system, Jupiter. These various components will help efficiently exchange traffic.

According to Eutelsat, Konnect whose construction has just been completed will be launched in space at end 2019. The test phases will be launched soon to ensure optimal operation once in space. The satellite is a new investment to improve access to high broadband in the continent where many zones are not covered.

Yohann Leroy, chief technical officer of Eutelsat, explains that the “ground infrastructure was the last missing link in our KONNECT satellite programme and this has been bridged thanks to orders placed with Hugues Network Systems and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, two trusted partners and references in their respective fields.” He added that the infrastructures will help offer competitive services to clients.