This is huge: Says Strive Masiyiwa as Liquid partners with US company to bring fast 5G satellite internet to Zim

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Zimbabwe is set to experience a major leap forward in connectivity, with Liquid Intelligent Technologies partnering with US communications technology firm Globalstar to deliver advanced 5G solutions across the country, Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf region.

This game-changing partnership will see Liquid gain exclusive rights to sell and distribute Globalstar’s XCOM RAN private networks 5G access solution in these regions. XCOM Radio Access Network is a multipoint radio system that delivers high capacity and flexibility, making it ideal for private wireless networks. It boasts four times the capacity and superior performance compared to other systems.

This deal is also an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink which was recently licensed in Zimbabwe but seems to be politicised.

The innovative technology, designed to enhance the 5G experience and support AI-driven applications, is expected to revolutionise the mining industry in Africa and high-end markets in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“I am really excited by the connectivity solutions now emerging from breakthroughs in 5G private networks technologies,” said Strive Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

“With this technology, we are now able to provide services to large businesses like mines with their own 5G private networks that can also enable services like AI, this is huge.”

The partnership extends beyond the XCOM RAN solution, with potential expansion to Globalstar’s satellite, Band n53 spectrum and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions on a non-exclusive basis. Band n53 is a rare swath of midband spectrum, offering a versatile, fully licensed channel to improve customer’s wireless connectivity across multiple geographies.

Liquid will also offer comprehensive customer support for Globalstar’s products and services, including technical support and warranty services.

Globalstar chief executive Dr Paul Jacobs highlighted the unique capabilities of the 5G XCOM RAN product.

“The 5G XCOM RAN product fundamentally differs from traditional wireless solutions and enables mission-critical high-performance wireless applications. Liquid and Globalstar together, will accelerate advanced wireless technology deployments in Africa, Middle East and Gulf regions,” he said.

Dr Jacobs also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Liquid, a company he described as a respected leader in technology deployments.

“Globalstar is pleased to join in partnership with Cassava and Liquid, a group of well-respected leaders with a sharp focus on technology deployments. The regions where Liquid is a leader are large and growing markets for our technologies which enable safe automation and remote control of mobile equipment in high value environments,” he said.

The partnership between Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Globalstar is a significant achievement that aligns with Liquid’s commitment to partnering with global organisations that share the aim of fostering progress and innovation through connectivity for businesses and individuals on the African continent and beyond.

Cassava Technologies president and group chief executive officer Mr Hardy Pemhiwa expressed his optimism about the opportunities this exclusive partnership will unfold for existing and potential customers in these sectors.

“Globalstar’s unique 5G enterprise solution will enable us to provide unparalleled connectivity to our customers on the continent, aligning with our ambition of becoming a leading technology company of African heritage, empowering businesses and communities with the reliable and high-speed internet access needed to thrive in the digital age,” he added.

Combining XCOM RAN with the globally licensed Globalstar n53 midband spectrum creates a unique offering for private and enterprise 5G networks. This powerful combination promises to revolutionize connectivity for businesses and individuals across various sectors, including mining, and will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and digital transformation in Zimbabwe and beyond.


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