Satellite equipment provider Newtec, has supplied a VSAT system and IP satellite modems to Burkina Faso, enabling flexible satellite connectivity for the municipal and legislative elections that took place on December 2, 2012.

The equipment facilitates ‘always on’ connectivity between 45 remote electoral district offices which serve as the hubs for 14,698 polling stations across the West African country and the central election office in the capital, Ouagadougou. The system is used for video conferencing and surveillance, Internet access and fast and secure communication of ballots.

The elections are being administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante, CENI) with SES Broadband Services delivering the full service via its 5° East orbital position.

“It is an honor for our technology to be used to facilitate the electoral process in Burkina Faso,” said Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec. “Satellite is the most affordable communication technology with seamless coverage of the whole country. Our equipment will provide essential connectivity between the remote polling sites, allowing for fast, efficient and secure communication between provinces and CENI’s central office. It will also be available for government-led activities across the country after the elections.”

The hub also supplied by Newtec, required for the service in Burkina Faso, is situated at SES Broadband Services teleport site in Luxemburg. “The SES Broadband service ensures reliable and secure connectivity for institutional applications. In addition our services have the advantage of quick and cost effective deployment in very rural areas,” commented Patrick Biewer, Managing Director, SES Broadband Services. “Newtec’s technology is a key component of our service in this project.”