Boeing will build a 702 satellite, called GiSAT, with a new digital payload offering twice the capacity of previous digital payload designs.

The customer, Cayman Islands-based Global IP, will use the satellite to deliver streaming media, digital broadcast and other communications services to Sub-Saharan Africa. With a coverage area encompassing 35 countries and 750 million people, GiSAT will deliver higher data rates at lower costs than previous satellites serving this part of the world.

“Our vision for GiSAT is to provide end users with connectivity and services that are affordable, rich in local content and truly broadband in nature,” said Bahram Pourmand, CEO, Global IP. “With the ability to reconfigure the GiSAT on-board processor, the Boeing digital payload will allow us to broadcast different channels to different beams from different locations, providing better service to broadcasters, mobile operators and ISPs.”

“Boeing’s latest digital payload – the most advanced design in the industry – offers greater flexibility for Global IP’s customers,” said Mark Spiwak, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “Boeing is committed to driving innovation in satellite technology so that our customers can bring the benefits of reliable, high-speed communications to people across the globe.”

Scheduled to enter service in 2019, GiSAT is designed to operate with more than 10 gateways in Europe and multiple gateways within Africa.

Privately owned Global IP was founded by three satellite industry veterans with 75 years of combined experience providing satellite products and services in emerging markets. The company CEO, Bahram Pourmand, was until recently Executive Vice President and General Manager, International Division of Hughes Network Systems LLC. The other two founders, Emil Youssefzadeh and Umar Javed were founders and executives of STM, one of the VSAT industry pioneers with a 15 year track record in Africa before sale of STM in 2013 in a private equity transaction.