Paratus, the satellite network company, has finalised the construction of the Goedehoop teleport in Doornkloof, Pretoria.
This state-of-the-art facility represents Paratus’s most significant investment in South Africa to date and is strategically designed to revolutionise non-terrestrial communications.
The Goedehoop teleport is poised to strengthen key connectivity pillars, including telecommunications, backhaul, data centres, and satellite services, by offering satellite solutions and colocation services to both Paratus’s customers and other satellite operators.
Read also: Eskom’s Kusile power station adds 800 megawatts to South Africa’s power grid
Key Features and Infrastructure
The Goedehoop teleport facility has been meticulously built to meet world-class specifications, ensuring it addresses the future demands for reliable teleport connectivity and colocation services not only in South Africa but also across the broader African continent. It stands out with its diverse North and South fibre routes, providing resilient connectivity to data centres in South Africa. The facility boasts true intra-resilient uninterrupted power supply and is equipped with monitored cabinet power distribution units, supported by an impressive 90 hours of generator autonomy.
Facility Highlights
In addition to its robust infrastructure, the Goedehoop teleport incorporates advanced features to guarantee optimal functionality. The facility includes fire suppression systems and world-class heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. Security is a top priority, evidenced by perimeter and zoned electric fencing, closed-circuit television, thermal monitoring, and biometric access control at all entry points.
Paratus South Africa Managing Director, Kallie Carlsen, emphasised the significance of satellite communication in Africa’s business landscape. He highlighted the crucial role it plays in maintaining uninterrupted services, particularly for industries relying on real-time transactional data, such as retail and finance. The reliable infrastructure design of the Goedehoop teleport becomes vital, especially in regions where power supply is often inconsistent.
Strategic Importance
Carlsen acknowledged Goedehoop as a major investment for Paratus, underscoring its contribution to fortifying the company’s regional offerings and enhancing satellite services across 35 African countries. The completion of this teleport facility signifies Paratus’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure in line with the growing demand for advanced communication solutions in Africa.
African families turn to solar energy as governments’ electricity supply dwindles
Expanding Connectivity and Services
Paratus’s dedication to offering superior connectivity is evident in its plans to extend colocation services to other satellite operators. The company aims to leverage the Goedehoop teleport to elevate the connectivity experience for its customers. Carlsen expressed excitement about the facility’s launch, emphasising Paratus’s ambition to relocate its entire South Africa head office and warehouse to the Goedehoop campus within the next 18 months.
According to Paratus MD, “Goedehoop is a major investment for Paratus. It bolsters our offering in the region and our high-quality satellite services in 35 countries across Africa,” he said.
“This teleport’s quality is owing to our hard work and dedication, and we are excited to launch it. We are offering colocation services to other satellite operators and it demonstrates our commitment to building world-class infrastructure.
“We are eager to provide our customers with better connectivity and to relocate the entire Paratus South Africa head office and warehouse to the Goedehoop campus within the next 18 months,” he added.
Goedehoop’s Significance in Africa
The completion of the Goedehoop teleport marks a significant milestone for Paratus and the broader telecommunications landscape in the African continent. This cutting-edge facility not only represents a major investment for the satellite network company but also signifies a commitment to advancing communication infrastructure on the continent. As Africa continues to witness a surge in the demand for reliable and advanced communication services, the Goedehoop teleport stands as a testament to Paratus’s dedication to providing world-class solutions and fostering enhanced connectivity across the region.
