Sonatel Expands Gandoul Teleport with Eutelsat OneWeb Satellite Gateway

As part of its strategy to develop digital infrastructure and its commitment alongside the State to implement the New Deal for Technology, Sonatel i s strengthening and completing its Gandoul teleport with the deployment of Eutelsat  OneWeb’s Satellite Portal Network (SNP).

The infrastructure includes 16 new latest-generation satellite antennas, deployed on approximately 5 hectares, as well as a technical room that meets Tier III standards. It connects Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to terrestrial networks, facilitating the delivery of high-speed Internet to Senegal, the sub-region and the rest of the world.

“With the deployment of this Eutelsat OneWeb Gateway and its 16 new-generation satellite antennas, Sonatel is strengthening its historic teleport and confirming its commitment to investing sustainably in high-level digital infrastructure for Senegal and Africa.”

– Mr. Brelotte Ba, Chief Executive Officer, Sonatel

Already recognized as a major telecommunications site, the Gandoul teleport has been hosting various satellite connectivity solutions for several years, making the site a key point for international digital exchanges.

With the integration of the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation, Sonatel is taking a new step by strengthening and diversifying existing capabilities, in order to offer better, more stable and more resilient connectivity.

“The inauguration of the Gandoul Gateway marks an important milestone in our long-standing partnership with Sonatel. This new infrastructure further strengthens OneWeb’s terrestrial network and demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting resilient and trusted connectivity across the region. ”

– Philippe Baudrier, Managing Director, Konnect Africa

An infrastructure at the service of Senegal’s digital sovereignty and transformation
Through this project, according to Brelotte Ba, Sonatel “is fully in line with the ambition of the New Technological Deal, to which Sonatel is proud to make a concrete contribution through its investments and expertise”.

This new Gateway makes it possible to:

• Strengthen the country’s digital sovereignty,
• Secure and diversify international connectivity routes,
• Improving the resilience of networks in the face of technical and geopolitical hazards,
• Accelerate digital inclusion and broadband access.

Gandoul’s facilities integrate secure energy infrastructure, redundant systems and a very high-speed fiber connection, guaranteeing a high level of availability and continuity of service.

With this strategic investment, Sonatel is positioning Senegal as a regional hub for satellite and digital connectivity in West Africa.

The Gandoul teleport is interconnected to submarine cables and national and international terrestrial networks operated by Sonatel, making it possible to offer a robust and scalable hybrid infrastructure (satellite and fiber).

Connected to the other points of Eutelsat OneWeb’s global network, the Gandoul Gateway reinforces Senegal’s role as a strategic anchor point in international digital exchanges.

It also helps to support the development of the digital economy, innovation and the growth of start-ups, while supporting the growing needs of companies and administrations.

Gandoul, the story of a network at the service of Africa

Inaugurated on April 5, 1972 by President Senghor and located in the Thiès region, Gandoul is the telecommunications earth station of the Sonatel group and today embodies a strategic infrastructure at the heart of Senegal’s digital ambition.

The choice of the Gandoul site is based on several major technical advantages: a perfectly clear maritime horizon favouring satellite visibility, a low level of electromagnetic pollution, proximity to Dakar and the country’s main digital infrastructures, as well as recognised expertise in the operation of international earth stations.

This development illustrates Sonatel Orange’s strategy to build modern infrastructures combining several technologies, including satellite and fibre, but also 4G and 5G, to guarantee quality Internet access throughout the country and beyond.