A Pan-African provider of telecommunications network services, Paratus Group, has revealed the introduction of “Paratus 500,” representing a significant achievement.

The unveiling of the “Paratus 500” comes after the Group’s major growth this year, entering seven new African markets: Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Thanks to this expansion, Paratus is now authorized to function in a total of 15 African nations. This extensive presence enables the Group to reach a population of more than 500 million individuals below the equator.

This network covers a range of land-based fiber connections, key submarine cable entry points, and cutting-edge satellite technology, such as Starlink, providing secure, expandable, and top-notch connectivity throughout sub-equatorial Africa.

After years of continuous investment in infrastructure, local branches, and collaborative alliances, Paratus 500 features the East West Connect route, which runs from the eastern coast of Africa in Maputo, through Johannesburg, and across Botswana and Namibia, to the western coast of Africa at the Equiano Cable Landing Station in Swakopmund.

The Group manages five satellite teleports and supports almost 10,000 active satellite services, providing reliable service in all its operational markets.

Key routes involve links from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi in southern DRC, passing through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. In Botswana, Paratus has established a wide fiber network across various towns to enhance national coverage and ensure cross-border reliability.

Subsea cable networks play a vital role in the Paratus 500 system, featuring international landing stations in Angola (Luanda), DRC (Kinshasa), France (Marseilles), Kenya (Nairobi), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Mozambique (Maputo), Namibia (Windhoek), South Africa (Pretoria), and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), providing direct links to global internet centers. Paratus also extends its connectivity across the Atlantic to Brazil (Fortaleze), the United States (Miami and New York), the Netherlands (Amsterdam), and the United Kingdom (London).

The Paratus Express Route, utilizing the Equiano undersea cable, provides the fastest international connection from Johannesburg and Namibia to Europe and the United States, with up to 20 times greater capacity compared to earlier West Coast cables.

Expanding its regional presence even more, Paratus has added LEO (low earth orbit) satellite services to its portfolio. This technology improves coverage and provides reliable connectivity in areas that are underserved or remote, where traditional infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

Schalk Erasmus, the Chief Executive Officer of Paratus Group, states: “With the launch of Paratus 500, we now offer the broadest licensed coverage in sub-equatorial Africa, a target we have been striving for over the years. This achievement allows us to link individuals and businesses throughout the region with dependable, top-notch network services. Our ongoing commitment to fiber, satellite technology, and strategic collaborations enables us to provide adaptable connectivity options for wholesale clients, enterprises, and individual users – offering the flexibility to stay connected anytime, anywhere.”

Paratus 500 stems from continuous investment in strong infrastructure, local activities, and strategic alliances throughout the area. This base provides smooth connectivity options covering fiber, satellite, microwave, SD WAN, and MPLS technologies. With this varied network, Paratus offers a reliable, expandable, and client-oriented connectivity system aimed at fostering development and prospects across the region.