Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo
Israel has launched a communications satellite into space that will give Africa digital service access.
According to CBN News, Israel’s Spacecom launched the satellite, dubbed “Amos-17,” into orbit from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station last week.
“AMOS-17 places us directly into the exciting growth of Africa’s Sub-Saharan vibrant markets,” Pollack said in a statement after the launch.
“As a leading multi-regional satellite operator, Spacecom is introducing the most technologically advanced satellite with HTS beams to service Africa where AMOS-17 will deliver a large selection of services to a variety of broadcast, broadband and telecom clients.”
Amos-17 is expected to stay over Africa and provide television, internet and phone services for 20 years.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called the satellite and launch “important work,” the Jerusalem Post reports.
Africa has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. The continent is predicted to reach 2.5 billion in 2050, said Eran Shapiro, director of business and technology ventures at Spacecom, at a press conference last month. Half of its current population is under the age of 18.
The continent, however, has a major lack of internet access equipment and has many areas that are either underserved or not connected at all to any communication infrastructure.
“So the opportunity is clear,” said Shapiro.
To get connectivity via the Amos-17, locals can set up a solar-powered terminal, he added.
Amos-17 weighs 6.5 tons and is about 115 feet long.
