Senior Staff Reporter
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) - AVANTI Communications, the satellite operator, has completed the initial installation of Ka-band VSAT services for the Department of Environmental Affairs’ "Working for Water" initiative.

Avanti's HYLAS 2 satellite will provide data connectivity to support the research and monitoring aspects of the programme, which aims to combat invasive alien plants, in both urban and remote locations across South Africa.

The initial installation is at the Department of Environmental Affairs' offices in the Cape Town central business district, with further installations in Bellville. 

David William, Avanti's Chief Executive pledged the company’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at bettering people’s lives.

“Internet connectivity is growing fast in South Africa but there remains challenges in delivering high speed networks across the country. 

"Fortunately the new generation of broadband satellites operated by Avanti provides a complementary technology to terrestrial and mobile networks.

"This pilot demonstrates how HYLAS 2, Avanti's satellite servicing sub-Saharan Africa, can support critical government initiatives by improving service within urban areas whilst providing connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure. We look forward to the start of a long and fruitful relationship with the Department of Environmental Affairs,” he said.

Ahmed Khan, Deputy Director: Strategic Services of Environmental Programmes, Department of Environmental Affairs, said, “An effective information management infrastructure is crucial in supporting our implementation effort, with around 320 projects around the country in the Working for Water programme and another 170 sites where the Working on Fire programme have a footprint.

"Live" operational level information is key in ensuring timely and effective implementation management.

"These are often in fairly remote locations where the fixed telecommunication infrastructure is not always in place to effect such a 'live' arrangement. We look forward to testing alternative approaches in addressing this need through this partnership.”