(Ecofin Agency) - Connectivity and data center provider MainOne and satellite provider Avanti Communications signed a partnership agreement to extend broadband access to under-connected and non-connected communities.

The partnership was revealed last week during Nerds Unite 2019, the annual conference organized by MainOne, which gathers IT professionals to share knowledge, learn, discover new opportunities and discuss global IT trends.  

To fulfil their mission, the two firms will use Avanti Communications’ HYLAS 4 satellite launched in April 2018. MainOne will also host Avanti’s new gateway ground station in Nigeria in its Tier III " MDXi" data center. It will also implement Avanti’s ECO initiative aimed at providing broadband internet, solar energy and integrated Wi-Fi services to schools and small communities.

Funke Opeke (photo), CEO of MainOne, indicated that thanks to this partnership, internet penetration rate would be boosted in the country in accordance with the government’s ambition to boost socio-economic development with internet.