Mind the Gap
We have discussed the necessity of satellite broadband in remote regions and developing countries with weak infrastructures. That doesn’t bring to mind one of the most industrial countries on the planet—Germany.
SES ASTRA2Connect is "a fully satellite-based solution for broadband access that delivers dual- and triple-play services without any terrestrial support." Reaching maximum download speeds of 1024 kbit/s, ASTRA requires no infrastructure investment and is priced at flat-rate monthly fees. The company just signed a contract with H3 Netservice in Germany to market its product to end-users:
H3 Netservice will market ASTRA2Connect through retail partners to end consumers, reaching several thousands of affiliated outlets in Germany. H3 Netservice intends to offer ASTRA2Connect in three service packages. All the necessary hardware – a satellite dish with an interactive device, as well as a low-cost and easy-to-install modem – will be made available through H3 or retailers.
ASTRA2Connect is a fully satellite-based solution for broadband access that delivers dual- and triple-play services without any terrestrial support. This purely satellite-based DSL infrastructure offers a unique possibility for regions without terrestrial broadband access to use high-speed DSL-internet. According to official data from the German Ministry of Economy and Technology, at least 2.9 million German households still do not have any access to Broadband internet. SES ASTRA is offering ASTRA2Connect on a wholesale basis to large service providers such as telecommunication operators, internet service providers and broadband operators across Europe who will market it to their respective end customers.
ASTRA2Connect will help answer a question that remains in one of the most "connected" places on Earth—how do we bridge the European broadband gap? The European Union held a conference on this subject in May. Among the findings: while broadband penetration is growing, there still exists a "double gap" — between some countries in Europe and inside some countries (rural vs. urban). For more info, watch the video or read the powerpoint.
