Johannesburg, South Africa – [17th July 2024] – Avanti Communications (“Avanti”), a leading global multi-orbit provider of fully integrated connectivity services and solutions, has undertaken a satellite connectivity test with BankservAfrica, Africa’s largest automated clearing house with Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s top retail banks.
The successful completion of this connectivity test heralds a movement towards greater transactional security. It underlines the transformative potential of satellite communications in strengthening digital banking systems, paving the way for more resilient financial operations, reflective of a digitally mature and inclusive banking future.
Key Findings from the Satellite Connectivity Test:
- Stable Connectivity: The satellite connection exhibited durability with consistent stability, a crucial factor in ensuring financial transactions are carried out without interruption on Avanti’s GEO Ka HTS satellite.
- Mission Critical Application: Financial traffic was routed purely on Avanti satellite link, demonstrating Avanti’s link is capable of handling mission-critical applications during the loss of terrestrial links or unstable connectivity caused by fibre cuts or power issues.
- Effective Production Testing: High transaction volumes were efficiently managed during intensive production testing, showcasing the robustness of the satellite link.
Gamze Aydin, Senior Vice President of Sales and South Africa Country Manager at Avanti commented, “With South Africa’s financial institutions facing the threats of power grid instabilities and undersea cable malfunctions, this test is a forerunner of strengthened operational resilience. By enabling direct satellite connection to European traffic hubs, Avanti’s solution reduces reliance on local infrastructure, which is prone to disruption. These tests not only validate the role of satellite technology as a steadfast, secure conduit for financial transactions but underscore its importance in maintaining operations in challenging conditions.”
The collaborative effort with BankservAfrica and Capitec represents a significant leap forward in technological application.
“We participated in the connectivity test to determine the viability of using Satellite for additional resilience in the financial industry. The test was successful across all the critical measurement points. BankservAfrica is pleased to consider the inclusion of this technology across our Managed Network Solution,” says Ben Janse van Rensburg, Chief Technology Officer at BankservAfrica.
The initiative is a major step towards reinforcing the resilience of financial services across Africa. The successful completion of the test is an important milestone, demonstrating the viability of satellite communication in maintaining stable and reliable transaction environments.