What is the R*TES

The RascomStar-QAF TElecommunication Services (R*TES) provide telephone services (POTs) in rural and underserved areas anywhere within the footprint of the RASCOM-QAF satellites (the whole African continent).

RascomStar-QAF Terminals (R*Ts) are installed in underserved area - a basic R*T providing 4 telephones lines and can also be installed where no electricity is available. Standard telephones are connected to a R*T allowing users to make and receive telephone calls. Call traffic use the RASCOM-QAF satellites and do not require terrestrial telephone infrastructure at the R*T site.
In addition to voice calls, the R*TES also supports Group III fax and in-band data-modem calls. A basic R*T supports internet access at normal dial-up rates. Its can be upgraded to allow broadband internet access at typical DSL bit rates.

R*TES subscriber payment methods allow African Operators to select the scheme(s) which best fit with their business model. They include telephone cards as well as pre-paid and post-paid user accounts.

How does the service work

R*TES gateways are the connection points of the service to terrestrial PSTN networks. R*T users can make calls to, and receive calls from, telephones connected to the terrestrial PSTNs; via the R*TES gateways. Also, R*T users can call other R*T users.

Telephony connections are set up dynamically, by the Network Station, according to the instantaneous traffic requirements and traffic destination.

Service operation

In general, African telcos

• Own and operate their R*TES gateways,
• Connect their R*TES gateways to their PSTN,
• Own, install and operate their R*Ts,
• Manage their subscribers.

RascomStar-QAF operates the service, assists and bills Operators according to their effective traffic usage.

HOW CAN RascomStar-QAF HELP

RascomStar-QAF can advise African Operators by providing general assistance in areas including

• Engineering assistance
• Capacity requirements determination
• R*TES gateway sizing, engineering, provision of shelters, UPS systems, power generators etc., when necessary

RascomStar-QAF Terminal Design

R*T Design

An R*T incorporates state of the art technology. It has been designed for harsh environmental conditions and supports full outdoor deployment. It benefits from low power consumption compatible wish small low cost solar panels; easy installation without special tools; and is upgradeable allowing high speed data communications and additional lines for tele-centres and enterprises etc.

 

High efficiency low cost RascomStar-QAF Terminals (R*Ts):

• 1.2 m dish
• Small, standalone, full outdoor weather resistant
• Easy to install (no specific tools)
• Base configuration : 4 lines (extension options)
• L band port
• Ethernet port
• Sleep mode , energy efficient
• AC or DC (solar panels)
• Optional High Speed Internet
• Bandwidth Usage

Typical Application Scenarios

 

Technology Advantages

Next Generation Telecommunications network for remote users providing

Traditional services: telephony voices, fax and data

Internet Access Services: dial up connections

Additional Services (High Speed Internet, TV)

Future Services (e.g. WiFi connectivity under study)

Fully Engineered solution Including satellite and ground segment equipment

Latest State-of-the-art Design

Flexible and able to evolve

Incorporating Advanced African Telecommunication Operators features (subscribers accounts and calling cards)

Billing for « used » minutes