UAE-based space technology firm Space42 announced that its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya‑4, is now providing commercial connectivity across South Africa.
According to Space42, the rollout marks the first operational entry of the company’s broader Thuraya service portfolio into the South African market. The satellite, which was launched earlier in 2025, delivers secure, resilient L-band connectivity designed for remote and mission-critical environments.
Space42 said Thuraya-4 will support key sectors in South Africa — including energy, mining, maritime, government and humanitarian operations — enabling communications in high-risk or underserved regions and aligning with the country’s digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience goals.
Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer at Space42, commented, “South Africa’s focus on digital inclusion and infrastructure resilience makes it an important addition to that journey. As a UAE-based company, we see strong alignment in how both countries view connectivity as a driver of economic resilience. Through Thuraya-4, we are proud to support that shared ambition.”
The satellite is built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform and features a 12-metre reflector antenna and software-defined architecture enabling dynamic bandwidth allocation and intelligent coverage reconfiguration. Space42 said Thuraya-4’s availability now spans more than 100 countries across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.
The launch of this service in South Africa underscores the growing significance of satellite-based connectivity across the continent, particularly for bridging gaps in terrestrial infrastructure and supporting expanding digital ecosystems.
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