23 January 2025

Through this collaboration, NEC XON and Skywire have provided a cutting-edge, high-availability solution that supports both mobile and fixed connectivity applications in hard-to-reach areas, addressing critical needs in community services, disaster recovery, and diverse business sectors.

One of Skywire’s initial OneWeb applications was a unique mobile solution designed to support voter enrolment in rural communities. Tasked with tight deadlines, NEC XON and Skywire coordinated resources rapidly from initial notification to final deployment within two weeks. The team worked tirelessly to install and test the solution aboard a mobile community service centre in time for its presentation by the Western Cape Premier at Parliament. This installation included a specially sourced self-levelling bracket to accommodate rural terrains, ensuring reliable connectivity in remote locations.

“The OneWeb solution offered by NEC XON provides a seamless, high-availability network. It directly connects to satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), ensuring uninterrupted service even in the most remote locations,” said Johan Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at Skywire.

“The partnership with Skywire exemplifies our ability to meet the diverse connectivity needs of remotely accessed business-critical applications, enabling real-time decision-making and enhancing operational resilience,” said Faried Souma, General Manager of Wireless at NEC XON.

NEC XON’s OneWeb solution provides an answer where terrestrial towers aren't available. This includes areas like the Northern Cape and the Karoo, where using clear line of sight over longer distances is problematic due to mountainous terrain. LEO satellite offers higher speeds, low latency (~70ms compared to over 600ms with GEO networks), and dependable uptime even in rugged areas. This LEO satellite solution enables Skywire to deliver reliable service where traditional networks cannot reach, with faster installations and reduced operational costs.

The NEC XON OneWeb deployment goes beyond hardware. NEC XON’s fully configured satellite user terminals and Skywire’s trained technical teams ensure smooth and efficient installations. A unique management interface provides Skywire with visibility over all customer terminals, enhancing proactive maintenance and support capabilities. Customers now have access to enhanced connectivity solutions, whether for mobile applications in social development, healthcare, or government services, or as a primary or backup connectivity option for industries like mining, retail, and construction.

Skywire’s decision to partner with NEC XON for the OneWeb satellite solution reflects the strength of their long-standing relationship. Over the years, NEC XON has supported Skywire’s expansion, including significant deployments of NEC licensed spectrum microwave equipment. This partnership has proven essential in delivering innovative solutions such as OneWeb, allowing Skywire to provide unmatched service to customers even in remote and challenging locations.

“NEC XON’s dedication and expertise in delivering a satellite solution with OneWeb that meets Skywire’s high standards of connectivity has been invaluable,” said Botha. “The team’s commitment to meeting tight deadlines and supporting our mission is something we greatly value as we continue to grow our service offerings.”