AST South Africa has signed a multi-million rand contract with their newly appointed master dealer, Global Communications for the supply of 250 African BGAN Terminals, along with associated Inmarsat airtime.
The Explorer 110 unit, manufactured by Thrane & Thrane, has been specifically branded the ‘Africa Terminal’ and Global Communications intend to market and distribute the product through its established dealer network in more than 40 African countries.
The contract, signed on the 18 March 2009 for the Explorer 110’s from Thrane & Thrane is the largest contract of its kind this year.
Errol Baker, drector of Global Communications said: ‘The Africa BGAN terminal was launched at a recent International Dealer Cnference hosted by ourselves. Given the interest shown, we believe that there is a huge potential market in Africa, not only for hardware, but for the subsequent airtime revenue stream as well.’
AST South Africa, based in Johannesburg, is the most recent addition to the AST Group of companies, providing a strategic and specialised base for land based satellite communications equipment on the African continent.
Ross Pritchard, MD of AST South Africa said: ‘This is a very exciting time for AST SA, with our recent accreditation as a Thrane & Thrane Certified Partner enabling us to provide cost effective distribution of land mobile satellite equipment throughout the African continent.’
With multiple offices throughout the UK, Asia and Australia, the AST Group have an established international reseller network, with the UK office holding Thrane & Thrane global master distributor status for both radio and other satellite equipment.
Thrane & Thrane is the world’s leading manufacturer of equipment and systems for global mobile communication based on sophisticated satellite and radio technology. Since its incorporation in 1981, the company has established a strong position within global mobile communication solutions based on the Inmarsat system and today Thrane & Thrane provides equipment for maritime, land-based and aeronautical use.
