Capacity Magazine’s Global Wholesale Telecommunications Awards announced at Capacity Europe in Amsterdam, November 23rd

November 24, 2009 – London, UK - Following an outstanding business performance in 2009, Gateway Communications, the leading supplier of secure, reliable telecommunications services across Africa, yesterday claimed the prestigious award for “Best African Wholesale Offering” for the second year running. This latest accolade adds to two other industry awards collected earlier this year.

Gateway Communications’ wholesale offering was assessed on quality, performance and reach of network, speed to market, pricing strategy, and the company’s overall investment in its network. Gateway’s unique knowledge of Africa, its wealth of local resources and global infrastructure, puts it at the forefront of the world’s fastest growing telecommunications market. Gateway has invested over $300 million in African communications since 2005 and continues to invest in growth and expansion across the continent.

Gateway recently re-organised its company structure to create a new Gateway which places greater emphasis on the importance of the company’s wholesale & carrier services. Following substantial investments in WACS and the successful launch of SEACOM, Gateway Carrier Services will be strengthened by the addition of a wholesale Cable Company, which will manage the company’s investments in submarine cables and the entire core infrastructure through the creation of a new division serving the pan-African wholesale market.

Gateway’s performance has improved further since winning the award last year. Vodacom’s acquisition of Gateway in December bolstered its investment potential whilst allowing it to continue operating under the independent management structure that has proven so successful in the past.

“We are delighted to receive our second successive award for Best African Wholesale Offering from Capacity magazine,” said, Paul Ziegler, Executive Director for Carrier Services at Gateway Carrier & Wholesale Services. “This year has seen some exciting developments in the African telecommunications space and the continent is tangibly the world’s fastest growing telecoms market. Technological innovations continue to improve our offering and enable us to operate faster and more efficiently, working with partners to link many more up to the information superhighway.”

About Gateway Communications

Gateway Communications owns and operates the largest and most advanced pan-African telecommunications network. Our scale, reach and resources are unparalleled. Gateway connects over 583 million people in over 40 African countries, working in partnership with the continents leading mobile phone operators.

Our business experts are creating prosperity across Africa by working closely with multinational corporations; in banking and finance, oil and gas, mining and construction, retail and distribution, airlines and other important sectors.

With more than 50 transponders of satellite capacity over Africa Gateway manage more connectivity over the continent than any other operator. And with 24 dedicated teleports, access to multiple SAT-3 and SEACOM landing ports, 17 African offices and 350 local experts, we’ve got more on the ground support than any other operator.

Gateway is committed to developing long term communications solutions and investing for the long term in the communities where we operate. Gateway has been recognised by the rest of the industry for setting the standards for tomorrow’s communications in Africa

Gateway has recently been awarded

Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation, Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards Jun 2009
Best Satellite Service Provider 2009, SatCom Stars Awards April 2009