Providing Microfinance Institutions with Satellite Technology

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: SatADSL to Provide Microfinance Institutions, Money Transfer Firms with Satellite Technology to Expand Branch Networks in East Africa

SatADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), a Belgian telecommunications company that provides internet services in Sub-Saharan Africa, recently announced that it plans to provide microfinance institutions and money transfer firms with automated teller machines ( ATMs) and money tranfer capabilities using “ very small aperture terminal” (VSAT) equipment.

Michel Dothey, the Business Development Director at SatADSL, reportedly stated that, “VSAT equipment linked to the satellite will increase financial services penetration by being connected to ATMs in rural areas in Kenya and Uganda. This will be expanded to Tanzania and Ethiopia soon.” The cost of VSAT equipment, including a dish that is linked to SatADSL’s satellite, costs approximately KSH 43,000 (USD 500).

SatADSL operates in 15 countries across Africa and has been providing internet services since 2010. Financial information about the company is unavailable.

By Ananya Tiwari, Research Associate

About SatADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
SatADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ) is a Belgian telecommunications company that provides internet services in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was started in 2010 and operates in 15 countries as of 2014 to provide “low-cost” satellite services to enable internet access for email, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and web browsing. Financial information for SatADSL is unavailable.

Sources and Additional Resources

[1] Standard Reporter, http://www.standardmedia.co. ke/business/article/2000136776/belgian-firm-partners-with-local-companies-to-offer-financial-school- broadcast-services

MicroCapital Universe Profile: SatADSL

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