Eutelsat has announced a partnership with global non-profit organisation unconnected.org to deploy satellite-powered community Wi-Fi services in underserved areas of Tanzania, with plans to expand the initiative across additional African markets.
The project will introduce Eutelsat’s KONNECT community Wi-Fi service through local partners including internet service providers, NGOs, system integrators, and government stakeholders. The initiative aims to improve digital access in remote and underserved communities by leveraging satellite connectivity to overcome infrastructure limitations.
According to unconnected.org, the deployment will follow a commercial model designed to ensure long-term sustainability while expanding connectivity. By reducing the cost of backhaul through satellite broadband, the solution enables local partners to establish viable business models while extending internet access to previously unconnected populations.
Mea Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer of unconnected.org, said the approach supports scalable digital inclusion by balancing social impact with commercial sustainability, allowing local ISPs and community partners to generate returns while expanding access to connectivity.
Philippe Baudrier, Eutelsat’s Vice President for Africa, highlighted the broader social and economic benefits of satellite-enabled connectivity, noting its impact across sectors such as education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. He added that the partnership supports the expansion of sustainable, community-based connectivity models across the continent.
The initiative builds on Eutelsat’s broader connectivity efforts, including its commitment under the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition programme, through which the company connected one million underserved people in sub-Saharan Africa to high-speed satellite internet ahead of schedule.
