Affordable satellite Internet for Free State

By Akhona for Maxwell Technology
Johannesburg, 10 Dec 2013

Maxwell Technology, a satellite-based Internet and data solutions provider, has extended its footprint to the Free State and will now provide affordable satellite Internet to areas where broadband is unavailable, unreliable or simply too expensive.

The company has also introduced a unique satellite-based connectivity solution, specifically aimed at consumers in the SME market. This solution is ideally suited for the agricultural and hospitality industries, both of which often operate from areas without broadband.

Until now, satellite was not considered a viable or cost-effective option for Internet. However, advances in satellite technology have made it a very affordable solution for individuals, and more importantly, for companies that want to ensure total business continuity under all circumstances.

Maxwell technical director Kallie Carlsen says satellites provide a flexible, universal, reliable and quickly deployable means to address a wide range of communications needs. "Satellite eliminates the constraints imposed by the largely wired world, and its benefits go far beyond simple redundancy."

The company has partnered with various service providers to deliver communications infrastructure and Internet services, including Star Satellite in Welkom and Air Broadband in Bloemfontein.

Star Satellite owner Lampies Frik says unlike most terrestrial alternatives, satellite networks can be rolled-out quickly and relatively inexpensively, connecting farms and lodges that are in remote locations to the information highway. "Satellite networks are easily scalable, allowing users to expand their communications networks and their available bandwidth easily."

Within urban areas, satellite Internet can be used to provide primary connectivity to homes and small businesses where broadband is currently inaccessible.

"Satellite is the next big step in providing affordable, reliable broadband Internet connectivity to all underserviced and non-serviced areas in theFree State. Leveraging satellite-enabled broadband also makes good business sense for companies that want to extend their reach, improve efficiency and protect their business assets," adds Air Broadband's owner Gert du Toit.

Satellite networks can be easily integrated to complement, augment or extend any communications network. They help overcome geographical barriers, terrestrial network limitations and other constraining infrastructure issues.

For more information, contact Air Broadband on (051) 347-0000 or Star Satellite on (082) 807-0287or visit www.maxwell.co.za.

Maxwell Technology (www.maxwell.co.za)

Maxwell Technology is one of Africa's leading satellite-based communications and data solution providers.

The company was launched in 2007 as an independent provider of last-mile, satellite-based, connectivity and access solutions in the mining and engineering industries in Africa. It quickly evolved to a full-spectrum, end-to-end connectivity solutions provider to clients in predominantly un-served and under-served areas.

Maxwell Technology has a unique range of products and flexible solution offerings that enables it to service an almost untapped rural market. It also has an established network of solution partners across the country to service its existing client base.

It currently offers a spectrum of VSAT solutions, from enterprise VSAT to a range of consumer broadband solutions. It also boasts a range of integrated business solutions, complementing its satellite-based communication solutions - supporting voice over IP (VOIP) to analogue faxing to credit card terminals over IP.

Maxwell Technology has an association with the Barnstone Group, a niche management consulting company that provides technology, business and financial consulting services to a large number of AAA corporations, the public sector and the mining industry.

In 2011, Maxwell introduced its first Ku-band consumer broadband solution to complement its enterprise VSAT solutions. The novelty of SkyeMax was its flexible data model, with users receiving fast broadband Internet while paying only for their actual data use. Because of the growing demand for fast and efficient data sources, Maxwell rolled out a large number of SkyeMax solutions.

Maxwell's range of VSAT market offerings was expanded during 2012, with the roll-out of MaxSat, a Ku-band consumer broadband offering with an alternative data model particularly suitable for the SME market. In 2013, Maxwell introduced MaxConnect, a Ka-band consumer broadband offering powered by Avanti.

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