Tag Archives: Microsoft

Tizeti, Microsoft link on Airband initiative

Internet service provider Tizeti and software giant Microsoft have teamed up to boost high-speed internet in Nigeria through the Microsoft Airband Initiative, which focuses on advancing digital equity.

Kendall Ananyi

Set to kick-start in Oyo state, the initiative will see Tizeti and Microsoft leverage their low-cost wireless technologies to make it easier and cheaper for people, especially those in underserved communities, to access the internet and get connected to the digital economy. The Airband initiative supports Microsoft and Tizeti’s shared goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

Tizeti CEO Kendall Ananyi said: “This Microsoft Airband collaboration will complement Tizeti’s existing initiative in Oyo state and lay a foundation for a robust and thriving digital ecosystem for the large population of vibrant, young people in Oyo state. We are happy to work with Microsoft on the Airband initiative as it extends our mission of bringing affordable and reliable internet to more Nigerians outside the digital envelope.”

Microsoft Airband general manager Vickie Robinson added: “Communities need reliable, affordable internet access in our increasingly digital world. That’s why Microsoft is working with providers like Tizeti to connect the unconnected, expand opportunity and close the global digital divide.”

This partnership will empower more Nigerians, stimulate economic activity, and widen the broadband envelope in Africa with affordable broadband connectivity, according to the two companies.

tagged in: ,

Eutelsat installs Tshipama for Africa

Global satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has appointed former Canal+ executive Jean-Claude Tshipama as CEO of broadband in Africa.

Jean-Claude Tshipama

The Paris-based firm has confirmed it has finalised its team in charge of broadband activities by employing Tshipama to oversee satellite broadband connectivity in Africa.

Tshipama previously worked at companies including Celtel in DR Congo, Bermuda-based Digicel Group and Microsoft. More recently, he was CEO of Canal+ in DR Congo and CEO of fashion brand Zympala in Canada.

In his new role, Tshipama’s responsibility is to ensure that Eutelsat’s broadband business is successfully deployed across Africa, drawing on the in-orbit resources of the Al Yah 3 satellite, expected to enter service next summer.

The operation of the Al Yah 3 satellite will be followed next year by the launch of the Konnect satellite, formerly called the African Broadband Satellite. According to the company, the broadband business will be one of the main focuses of Eutelsat’s growth strategy in the coming years.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean-Claude Tshipama to Eutelsat. His expert knowledge of the African market serving various industries, particularly telecommunications, will be a valuable asset to us in achieving our strong ambitions on this continent,” said Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s chief commercial and development officer.

“We are now in perfect shape and looking forward to expanding our business in the fast-growing fixed broadband sector.”

Eutelsat is the third largest satellite operator worldwide, after SES and Intelsat. Launched in 1977, the company provides coverage in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the US. Eutelsat’s satellites broadcast to over 274 million cable and satellite homes.

tagged in: , , , , , , , , , ,