MWEB's VSAT: it's all systems go

MWEB Namibia has formally launched its VSAT technology, bringing the country into the ranks of more technologically advanced nations. VSAT, using satellite technology, enables users to access the internet 24/7 from any part of the country at high speeds and for a flat rate.

In a presentation to leading Namibian organisations, individuals and technorati, Marc Gregan, General Manager of MWEB Namibia, pointed out that MWEB Namibia’s VSAT sidestepped the fibre optic line to South Africa and transmitted and received internet to and from the major internet lines of the USA and Germany.

Asked if the system was operational, Gregan stated that a number of lodges and businesses had successfully adopted the MWEB VSAT technology prior to the official launch, and that packages for home users and home offices were available.

He also noted that the product had a particularly critical role to play in enabling sustainable internet for businesses and organisations in light of the uncertain circumstances surrounding power supply in the SADC region.

"This system can be powered with commercially available solar power implemented in businesses and households, and is not reliant on power supply or servers in South Africa, nor the vulnerable and highly congested Namibian line to South Africa," Gregan said.

He said MWEB Namibia has taken cues from the mandate given by the Government to deliver internet services to the far-flung corners of Namibia, in line with Vision 2030. "When we developed the system, we selected technology that would suit Namibia and the needs of all Namibian organisations – not only lodges, banks, mines and retail branches.

"Part of our considerations was to develop a product that would also be suitable for far-flung rural clinics and NGOs which could effortlessly deliver the benefits of rapid, consistent internet to communities." Gregan admitted that the number of households that can afford this technology for day-to-day usage is obviously limited.

However, he added it is extremely affordable for local authorities and councils, community organisations and small rural businesses and branches. "Given the immediate success of the technology, we believe that they will be able to spread the benefit to rural communities. Improved communication is just a start. And there is a group of products designed specifically for cyber cafes, so MWEB Namibia expects the reach of the web to extend to individuals in rural areas from there as well."

Asked if it would be in competition with MWEB’s Wireless Broadband, Gregan noted that there were overlaps, but that VSAT was primarily aimed at organisations and individuals out of reach of the traditional telecommunications footprint, or who sought the benefit of not being reliant on internet by cable.