Israel Satellite Company looks to open connectivity in Rwanda

Gilat Satcom, a satellite service provider from Israel is looking to expand its market in Rwanda. At a time when Rwanda is racing towards becoming the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub in the East and Central African region, the prospects of achieving its Vision 2020 ICT goals are high. With satellite technology Gilat Sitcom Sales Director in charge of Eastern African countries, Moshe Rint, who is in the country, said that, “the possibilities of connection with satellites are endless.” “Satellite is satellite,” Rint said adding that, “It’s reliable because it reaches all areas where optical fibres cannot reach; there are no inconveniences that come with cables that are cut while digging. Sometimes it’s not cost effective to dig in areas that are geographically difficult to access.” “We believe that Rwanda’s financial systems can get to every single farmer in the remotest areas who are in a dire need to make transactions yet are limited by access to internet.” Citing the need for broadband connectivity as a way of fostering business and communication services at the private and public service levels, Rint said that, “schools, hospitals, government institutions, the military, banks, corporate companies, private sector organizations as well as telecommunication companies have a lot to benefit from satellite connectivity.” “We are ready to invest in technological support and provide domestic connectivity to all these local institutions,” Rint assured. Gilat Satcom is a multi-million company that has existed since 1992 and has acquired licenses from the Israeli Minister of Communications to deliver data services to customers in Israel. With a history of 17 years of experience in satellite services, they have more than 19 different satellites that work with them and cover Africa and other parts of the world. They also operate a number of international teleports in the USA, Europe and the Middle East. According to Rint, Rwanda has a very optimistic market. “People here mean business, they are very serious and just do not talk and talk, but follow their talk with actions—something that is not common in Africa.” Given the ambition that Rwanda has towards achieving its Vision 2020 ICT development goals, cost effective measures are in the pipeline. Gilat Satcom is planning to create a hub in the country through its potential agents and clients. Already Rwandatel, one of the country’s telecom companies has been a client for two years now through a partnership with Balton-Rwanda. “We developed solutions that solved some of the most challenging technical communications requirements, drawing on the insight and expertise gained in the production and implementation of hundreds of projects. We hand pick each component as though we were building our own earth solution,” Rint said. Explaining the effectiveness of satellite connectivity, Rint said that, “So many big companies have backup on satellites, in case fibre is not reliable. Besides, the chances of a satellite breaking down are minimal.” “We are eager to establish a business relationship with you and we are prepared to demonstrate its capabilities as a high-quality vendor and business partner in this project. We are certain you will find our solutions attractive, cost effective, and in compliance with any project’s requirements,” the Sales Director further assured. Besides broadband connectivity, Gilat Satcom is known to offer a broad array of professional services, ranging from consulting, design and implementation through management, maintenance, and training. “These services are tailored within each of our areas of expertise, and apply a proven three-tiered ‘Imagine-Create Connect’ approach that ensures that our customers benefit from the most suitable, comprehensive and effective solutions available,” Rint explained in a statement. The company’s record has so far been at a larger extent flawless. In their operations, they have a record of having introduced broadband Internet services in 2000. Since that time, this product line has become a primary growth engine for the Holy Land group which has in excess of 3,000 terminals in more than 40 countries. Also in June 2002, the company was acquired by Satcom Systems Ltd. whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Rint, however, says that opening their market in Rwanda will depend on the demand of the various institutions.“If companies move fast, we’ll move faster,” Rint said. anyglorian@yahoo.com