Ethiopia Using Satellite for Rural Education

Hughes Network Systems (HNS) says that it will supply Ethiopia Telecommunications Corp (ETC) with a comprehensive DIRECWAY broadband satellite network. One of the first projects under this US$25 million contract is a national distance learning network, SchoolNet, connecting schools across Ethiopia.

In addition to linking Ethiopian schools, ETC will utilize the DIRECWAY network to provide a wide range of value-added applications, including video conferencing, distance learning, Internet/intranet access and VoIP voice solutions, to a variety of government, private enterprise and financial customers.

"HNS has a proven track record in delivering reliable service and innovative network solutions to organizations across Africa," said Ato Tesfaye Biru, managing director of Ethiopia Telecommunications Corporation. "Satellite is the only solution that allows us to provide digital, always-on, reliable service no matter where our customers are. The DIRECWAY broadband satellite solution allows Ethiopia to expand its national commitment to provide quality education to all our students by reaching our 28.7 million school age children nationwide with the latest in educational tools."

Given the limited municipal infrastructure that exists in some areas of Ethiopia, many of the remote terminals will be powered by solar energy, capitalizing on a resource that is abundant in Ethiopia-sunshine.

Network installation began in June and is scheduled for completion by year end 2004."

Posted to the site on 14th November 2003