Vox Telecom, which recently introduced a satellite-based Internet service in SA called YahClick in partnership with Middle Eastern company YahSat, plans to launch a portable version of the product early next year.
The product will consist of a terminal, called YahClick Go, and will be aimed at organisations and businesses that require access to the Internet while on the move – these include events companies, mobile marketing vehicles, news stations and disaster management services.
Vox claims it will be the first portable system of its kind in SA that uses a Ka-band satellite connection. “Ka-band satellites transmit many highly focused, overlapping ‘spot beams’, each covering a relatively small area, which allows for high speeds to uplink and downlink increasingly large files and video content,” says YahClick project manager Jacques Visser. The product will offer connections speeds of up to 5Mbit/s.
According to Visser, the terminal can be mounted on a sports utility vehicle or trailer. It can also be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot at events such as outdoor festivals or auctions.
The units have already been tested at various locations and are expected to be available commercially in January. Vox will sell the units and make them available for hire. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media