Thuraya, a leading mobile satellite service operator, has signed an agreement with telecoms company, Airtel to provide mobile satellite products and services to telcos customers in 17 countries across the continent.

The partnership offers Airtel customer voice and broadband connectivity through Thuraya’s satellite network to remote areas on the continent while the service provider’s products and airtime packages will be sold through Airtel’s enterprise account team and retail outlets.

For Airtel, access to Thuraya’s satellite network provides an easy and cost effective way to bridge the gap and overcome the challenges that exists with extending its coverage to very remote areas.

“Providing reliable connectivity in many remote parts of Africa can be challenging. This partnership enables us to further extend our coverage and services for businesses and general consumers who live or work in very remote areas,” Christian de Faria, CEO of Airtel Africa said.

Thuraya’s satellite network will tackle the challenges associated with data communication and diverse voice needs of the telcos enterprise users across various sectors such as energy, mining, mining, government, humanitarian and media.

“We recognize the massive impact that access to reliable communications can have on the lives of ordinary people. Thuraya’s robust satellite network will enable Airtel Africa to provide its consumer and enterprise users with reliable, high quality voice and broadband services,” Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya said.

The partnership between both companies will not just see an extension of their network and services to areas that might have been previously uncovered by rival companies but will also generate new revenue streams through the provision of vital connectivity.