BICS Launches IP Over Satellite Services to Enhance Reliability and Reach for African Telcos

BRUSSELS, November 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

SatFlex and MultiFlex solutions allow carriers and ISPs to provide connectivity to landlocked countries and improve quality of experience during fibre and cable outages  

BICS, a global wholesale carrier for voice, mobile data and capacity services, has launched a range of IP over satellite (IPoSat) services, to provide cost effective connectivity to landlocked countries and a robust back-up for fibre and submarine cables, allowing operators to increase their network availability and secure an improved quality of service for customers.

Announced at AfricaCom, the SatFlex and MultiFlex services allow operators to ensure connectivity remains available even in the most challenging geographical and environmental conditions, where fibre or submarine cabling has a high possibility of experiencing outages.

To ensure end-to-end link quality and efficiency BICS uses its own Europe-based state-of-the-art teleport satellite and fibre infrastructure. Capacity is available from both stable and inclined orbit satellites, offering providers data speeds of hundreds of Mbps in each direction.

BICS is showcasing the capabilities of its flexible satellite solutions at AfricaCom, alongside its wide portfolio of voice, capacity and roaming solutions for mobile operators. By offering the full connectivity suite, BICS can provide faster issue resolution during outages for all mission critical international telecommunications services.

"SatFlex and MultiFlex are excellent tools for operators to ensure their customers are receiving high quality connectivity even in the most challenging of environments and circumstances," said Eric Loos, Senior Product Manager Capacity and IP, BICS. "In areas difficult to reach with traditional capacity solutions, as is particularly the case for several countries in Africa, BICS satellite services can offer robust connectivity, increasing the quality of experience for millions of people."

"By using BICS' satellite IP services, operators can ensure their customers are no longer taken completely offline by damaged fibre cabling and severe weather conditions," he added.

Clémentine Fournier, Regional Vice President Africa, BICS said: "BICS has a long tradition of investing in Africa and is another example of BICS' commitment to bringing the latest technology to the region. These services will improve service reliability and connect landlocked countries to ensure internet and roaming services are always accessible to everyone in Africa. This follows the launch of the Johannesburg PoP earlier this year and the foundation of the first active LTE roaming service on the continent in 2013."

About BICS 

BICS delivers best-in-class international wholesale solutions to any communication service provider worldwide. Through its Mosaic portfolio, a comprehensive, flexible and innovative suite of solutions designed to be used individually, or collectively, BICS meets the existing and future requirements of the global telecoms industry.

BICS is headquartered in Brussels with regional offices in Bern, Dubai, Madrid, New York and Singapore. We also have a satellite office in Beijing and local representation in Accra, Cape Town, Miami, Montevideo, Nairobi and Toronto. Our team continuously strives to provide our customers with the highest levels of quality, reliability and interoperability enabling them to maximise their end-user value.

With our successful consolidation strategy, and a continuing focus on technological advancement and innovation, we have achieved a world-leading position in the international Voice and Mobile Data markets.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bics.com