Commercis, ABS, and ST Engineering iDirect join forces to bring major connectivity expansion across four continents

Commercis Communications, a Commercis Plc company, has partnered with satellite operator ABS, and satellite hardware manufacturer ST Engineering, to expand robust connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The collaboration will enhance services across these regions, enabling Talia to offer flexible services and to speed up time to market with the delivery of essential communications to remote areas. Talia will extend an array of applications to customers that will meet the demands of enterprises, Energy companies and NGOs.

The new ABS-2 C-band satellite link will be operated through a dedicated antenna at Commercis's Teleport in Germany and will offer high reliability, redundancy, and interconnectivity through our MPLS network across the world.

“The collaboration with Commercis Communications and ST Engineering shows our commitment to meet the growing demand of connectivity across these key markets. Our vast global beam coverage will support Talia’s broadband services across four continents,” said Paolo Pusterla, MD of EMEA, ABS. “ABS satellites’ footprints in C and Ku bands are wide and allow long-distance connections which is ideal for large networks and international liaisons. With advanced solutions on the ground such as ST Engineering’s iDirect, bandwidth is optimised and cost-effective for prime and backup services. Notably, ABS service offerings are perfectly suited to Virtual Network Operators and global providers such as Talia.”

Broadband connectivity and access to technology can propel the social and economic development of nations and provide huge benefits. Currently, however, approximately 35 per cent of underdeveloped countries are connected to the Internet, compared to around 80 per cent in advanced economies. Talia is focused on providing service to these underserved markets with affordable connectivity. Through collaborative partnerships like this one where leading enterprise combine their strengths to deliver world-class services, greater changes can be made towards a better future.

Commercis enhances connectivity throughout the Middle East

As a growing global communications service provider, Data Grid Network (DGN), a a Commercis Plc company, has recently completed a significant enhancement to its network in Jordan.

Using an IP node that has been strategically located at the shores of Aqaba in the Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH), DGN has expanded connectivity throughout the entire Middle East and Gulf region to provide industry-leading connectivity using a rapid, extensive, and robust connectivity service. Additionally, this hub comprises of a profusion of services ranging from hyperscale datacentres to cable landing stations and teleports. This has helped the Middle East gain a neutral set up with an open policy, which was crucial for the growth of the region.

Chairman of Commercis Plc, Alan Afrasiab stated that “Aqaba has become a critical hub for our telecoms business to continue to provide exceptional and innovative communication services in the Middle East.”

The growing demand for international wholesale and business consumers required DGN to provide access to resilient and automated Tier 1 networks, through the new point of presence (PoP), located in the ADH carrier-neutral data centre. DGNs new network system carries Layer 2 and Layer 3 connections to data centres around the globe while utilising their Tier 1 MPLS network. The MPLS network ensures an uninterrupted and sufficient connection between the Layers and their functions, which allows for network quality of service. Moreover, while improving network experiences through lower latency and higher accessibility of assured data, data transfers are now able to go through a highly secure program when travelling around the world. Additionally, as a high-performance device for network routing, Layer 3 connectivity allows for infinite growth.

To ensure high-quality services in regions where they operate, DGN offers connectivity through multiple borders to Iraq, Egypt and across Europe. This allows for redundancy if one path experiences interruption and minimize any prevention of communication within country. This came as an advantage for DGN, as the Middle East has become the new hub for cloud service providers like Microsoft, Azure, AWS, and Oracle all launching their data centres throughout the area in the past year. DGNs intensive networking systems directly associate themselves to large cloud platforms, allowing for businesses to easily connect to the cloud directly in the Middle East.

DGN is a continually growing digital eco-system consisting of cloud, data centre, SaaS carriers and company partners, in which carriers can have direct communication to four hundred data centres around the world.

Commercis Introduces Local Broadband Service

Quika a Commercis Plc company has announced the launch of Quicknet, a new wireless broadband service. Quika has provided sustainable, quality services across various continents and Quicknet aims to do the same on a local scale, starting in Iraq. Differing from other broadband services on the market, Quicknet seeks to build a community with their customers, providing them with various benefits when subscribing to one of the tailored packages.

While being a broadband provider, Quicknet will be content-driven. Moreover, its users will not only experience high-speed connectivity but will be able to enjoy unique features available on the system. Ranging from educational resources to entertainment opportunities features not found on average broadband services in the Middle East.

Following Quika’s brand value of connecting the unconnected and surmounting the digital divide, Quicknet aims to be accessible and affordable to all consumers, including those who currently have little to no connectivity.

Quicknet provides a variety of service levels from occasional use to active business users.

Commercis to Install a New Power Substation and Distribution System for Oil & Gas Facility

Commercis Energy, a leading renewable energy technology company, has successfully completed a modular power substation for a large oil producer in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Thanks to the team’s technical and commercial expertise, Commercis won a highly competitive bid to design, install and commission the new facility, replacing an ageing temporary power generation system.

While experiencing issues with its existing power generation systems, resulting in increased upkeep and the potential of major disruptive threats, our client was seeking a reliable control and protection switchgear solution. Prioritizing peace of mind in terms of security and longevity, as well as easy maintenance, Commercis was able to deliver over and above the client’s initial requirement.

Offering containerized control and protection modules for the 10 MW substation, Commercis was able to provide the Iraqi oil and gas facility with tangible benefits. In addition to reducing the need for frequent maintenance, Commerics' services were also able to protect equipment from external elements and access control to authorized personnel. Thus, increasing service and security reliability throughout the system.

Chief Operating Officer of the renewable energy company, Oneil Fernandez, commented on the positive relationship and experience the company had with its client, stating: “Everyone really pulled together from day one, which was crucial to the success of this project. Although we did encounter obstacles during the installation and commissioning phase (including the worldwide pandemic,) we were able to overcome any potential stumbling blocks by remaining open, honest and flexible in our approach, and by collaborating extensively with everybody involved in the project to reach satisfactory conclusions.”

Commercis' involvement in this project allowed our client to see vast automation and security improvements due to the advanced features it provides. In the future, Commercis aims to create long-term, sustainable solutions tailored to our client's needs to ensure better running systems throughout the workplace. 

Commercis Announces Interconnection Service to AWS, Azure, Facebook and Google Cloud

Data Grid Network, a Commercis Plc company has today announced enhancements to its core network, adding interconnects to Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Facebook and Google.

Talia's ongoing commitment to the stability and reliability of its core network means clients can benefit from faster speeds and easier access to online services wherever they may be.

Enno Wattenberg, SVP Technology & Special Products commented, "by improving connectivity with leading cloud providers, we are reducing latency at the core of our network and ensuring clients are only ever 'one-hop' away, anywhere in the world".

Alan Afrasiab, President and CEO of Commercis added; "our status as one of the global connectivity providers is further enhanced today with the addition of these interconnects and provides benefits to many of our international customers allowing them to connect to multiple clouds, securely, reliably and seamlessly, allowing access to a global ecosystem of technology partners and applications.

Commercis adds Ka-band spot beam covering the Levant Region

Talia a Commercis Plc brand, a leading communications solutions provider serving the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, today announced its further collaboration with Arabsat, acquiring an additional Ka-band spot beam with coverage across the Levant region.

The new agreement adds an additional Ka-band spot beam on Arabsat 5C at 20°E to Talia's existing beams in Iraq and Afghanistan and shows the increasing demand for High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) services across the region.

The latest coverage also takes advantage of Talia's interconnectivity at Jordan Media City, allowing further onward connectivity to Talia's global MPLS fibre network and onward to Frankfurt, London, Dubai and Washington.

Further, the Levant spot Ka-band beam provides interconnectivity within the footprint bypassing the hub and allowing point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections enabling lower transmission costs and smaller antennas.

Talia, who was this year shortlisted for the WTA Independent Teleport Operator of the Year continue to strengthen their varied communication solutions. Alan Afrasiab, President and CEO of Talia stated, "with all the uncertainty in the world at the moment, we have seen sustained and increasing demand for our service to help provide support and resilience to existing networks or extend the reach of a more dispersed workforce. By partnering with a leading operator such as Arabsat, we can deliver our commitment to our clients in the region".

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Talia as a leading teleport, satellite and terrestrial network operator with extensive experience of the Middle East and Africa markets”, says Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO, Arabsat. “The demand for connectivity in this region has seen a continuous growth and this agreement will further cement our partner's confidence in Arabsat to provide high-quality and reliable services to unconnected communities across the MENA market”, continues Balkheyour.

Click here to view the latest satellite coverage.

MPLS Network Growth with Aqaba Teleport Acquisition

Data Grid Network increases its global telepresence with a new teleport in Aqaba, Jordan.

Commercis Enables Retail Businesses Across Cameroon to Grow

In today’s connected world, retail outlets and microbusinesses cannot afford to be offline. A fast and reliable broadband connection is essential for their continued success. Not only can the internet help retailers to keep in touch with suppliers and customers, but it can also provide them with necessary business tools like payments, marketing and security.

At low cost, and at scale, applications and services powered by the internet have accelerated economic growth and created jobs worldwide. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, geographical location is still a significant obstacle to achieving universal digital access. Retailers based in rural areas struggle to access efficient and cost-effective networks.

Although progress is slow, governments are gradually adopting policies, and affordability is improving. One of the latest reports from the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI)* shows Cameroon as one of the few countries that have helped individual users and businesses boost internet access affordability with new national broadband plans.

Although the lack of infrastructure and funding is slowing the country’s internet penetration creating a major obstacle for many entrepreneurs and retailers, Talia together with KNP, a leading Cameroon telecommunication and IT provider, is hoping to change that.

KNP provides both residential and commercial customers access to fixed and mobile networks, together with television, connecting people to others across the world.

Challenges

Requirements

Talia’s solution

The partnership between Talia and KNP is helping connect the unserved market of Cameroon with high-speed internet by satellite at costs equivalent to terrestrial services.

Through the Quika platform, a low-cost Ka-band internet service powered by Talia, a chain of retail outlets is now able to improve their business and provide better customer service. A large proportion of their operations can now take place online, from working via cloud-based software to transmitting data between different stores and carrying out online transactions.

Quika satellite services are location independent; therefore, high bandwidth can be delivered directly to subscribers no matter where they are. The service does not require substantial infrastructure investment with the terminal price being less than $500. Customers are in control of how much they spent on a month to month basis and have the option to purchase additional data when they need more.

The Quika Ka-band terminals comprise an antenna, transceiver and modem. The single cable connection between the antenna and terminal means that self-installation is simplified for a more user-friendly utilisation.

In response to the technical challenges and the lack of infrastructure that the country is currently facing, Quika provides fast, affordable connectivity via an online portal to retailers and SME’s across Cameroon which is not yet connected to the internet.

Accomplishments

“Given the growing demand by government agencies, small businesses and NGO’s for high-performance connectivity at affordable costs, Talia is helping us provide a sustainable high-speed data usage solution to remote African communities”, says Achille Tchekounang, General Direct of KNP.

“Ka-band connectivity is a no-brainer for many parts of Africa as it complements the sparsely distributed terrestrial networks in the hinterlands while leveraging the submarine cables along the African coastline”, says Ayes Amewudah, VP Sales of Talia.

“In addition, Ka-band offers higher throughput speeds than any other bands at lower costs, using a much smaller dish. This enables us to offer higher-speed packages, allowing retailers and other small businesses to benefit from a stable broadband supply at the speed they choose at a very affordable price.”

As a result, several retail outlets across Cameroon are now connected to the internet through Quika. By saving money on internet access, retailers can improve their businesses by investing in more advanced retail software, staff training and improve store security.

Launched in 2018, Quika’s unique business model makes high-speed, low-latency broadband affordable and sustainable for remote African communities. Its mission is to close the gap between connected and unconnected areas, to resolve a significant cause of economic and social inequality. By doing so, Talia’s platform aims to empower individuals through the educational, economic and social benefits that online connectivity brings.

“The combination of technical experience, human relationship and exceptional customer support make Talia a valuable partner for KNP in Africa, and plans are underway to expand Ka-band services to additional stores in Cameroon and Congo”, says Achille.

Commercis subsidiary Talia, Finalists for WTA Independent Teleport Award

We are delighted to announce that Talia has been selected as a finalist for the 2020 World Teleport Association’s (WTA) Teleport Awards for Excellence.

The 2020 Teleport Awards will be presented on the 10th March at a luncheon ceremony for invited guests at the Satellite 2020 conference taking place in Washington, DC from 8th to 11th March.

Talia has been shortlisted for its significant contribution to providing value-added services to the broadcasting, enterprise, carrier and governments sectors through its innovative commercial communications hub located in Raising, Germany.

The state-of-the-art facility was the first teleport to receive Full Certification from the WTA in 2016. The renewal of the WTA’s Tier 3 certificate in 2019 demonstrates Talia’s high level of competence and the quality of services provided through the teleport.

The teleport is Talia’s primary earth station connecting satellites across the Middle East, Europe and Africa with their advanced terrestrial MPLS network, providing our clients with access to a wide array of frequencies including C, KA and KU bands.

We are honoured to be nominated for the prestigious award of Independent Teleport of the Year, and we would like to thank the association and members and non-members who participated in the nomination process.