The renewable energy-battery hybrid systems will provide a market-leading 99.97% uptime service level agreement (SLA) to iSAT’s MNO clients.
Renewable energy solutions will be provided by smart off-grid energy systems company Clear Blue Technologies. Modular, decentralised energy solutions deployed by Clear Blue Technologies will provide telecom sites with renewable energy across rural parts of the two countries.
iSAT is an integrated communications provider specialising in connectivity, mobile, and satellite solutions to rural and underserved markets.
Communications infrastructure has rapidly expanded in Africa in recent years but despite this, only 36% of its population has access to broadband internet, according to the World Bank. South Sudan has some of the lowest internet access on the continent, with only 12% of the population reliably connected. The DRC’s population has around 27% access.
A future-proofed, renewable energy solution
These challenges are further exacerbated by a lack of access to reliable electricity and other crucial infrastructure. Renewable energy can power digital infrastructure on the continent as it is decentralised, long-lasting, and reduces reliance on diesel generators.
“Our mission, to offer Network as a Service to Mobile Operators that enables them to expand their network coverage to greenfield locations, is made possible through secure, reliable energy solutions,” said Rakesh Kukreja, CEO at iSAT Africa. “We are thrilled to be partnering with CrossBoundary Energy, whose involvement will allow us to roll out infrastructure to markets that will benefit greatly from better connectivity to bridge the digital divide.”
Rik Wuts, Head of Telecom Solutions at CrossBoundary Energy, said “Digital infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic growth and an essential enabler of social progress in communities across the continent. Powering this infrastructure with renewable energy enables increased connectivity in underserved markets. This agreement with iSAT Africa reflects our confidence in providing reliable, cost-effective energy in the most remote and challenging locations desperate for connectivity and we look forward to expanding our collaboration rapidly.”
Miriam Tuerk, co-founder and CEO, Clear Blue Technologies concluded: “Our mission is to provide stable, scalable renewable energy solutions in areas that lack connectivity, so we are fully aligned to this project. Both iSAT and CrossBoundary Energy are key partners in enabling the rollout of smart energy technology to benefit these communities.”
