Eutelsat Trains 700 UK Satellite Broadband Installers to Help Rural Areas

European communications provider Eutelsat has teamed up with the Confederation for Aerial Industries (CAI) to help train 700 new satellite broadband installers to support its latest up to 20Mbps capable Tooway (KA-SAT) service that typically targets customers in poorly served rural areas.

The training programme itself, which is aimed at existing aerial installers who have been previously helping homes in the United Kingdom to transition from analogue to digital TV or other telecoms services, will be offered for free at 16 CAI venues across the country over the next 8 months (both CAI members and non-members alike can apply).

Jean-François Fenech, GM of Eutelsats Business Unit, said:

“By building an extensive network of expert installers, Eutelsat will help to make universal access to high speed broadband a reality in the UK. With the knowledge acquired during this training, aerial installers will be perfectly equipped to provide quality technical support to customers.”

The Tooway service, which is offered by various internet service providers (ISPreview’s Satellite ISP List) around the country, uses a small-ish (77cm) dish and modem to deliver its connectivity into homes and businesses via the latest KA-SAT spacecraft that orbits at 9° East.

Apparently those who take part in the programme will also receive an interactive app to help with site surveys, installations and aligning the antenna to the satellite. In addition they will also benefit from access to an installation portal reserved for certified installers (contains access to useful documentation, tools and other services).

The extra PR probably won’t hurt Eutelsat and neither will having a bigger base of qualified Pro-Eutelsat installers than their rivals. Workers interested in attending the training course are asked contact Amanda Ward, at the CAI, on 01923 803030.