Nairobi — Kenya will still require satellite internet communications in the near future to connect the rural and remote areas in the country despite the operationalisation of the fibre optic cables.

Kenya's Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo said although expensive, satellite cannot be disregarded as it will help provide the last mile solution to consumers.

"We have done a lot of work in terms of fibre optics both undersea and terrestrial, but fibre is not a substitute of satellite communication and you can never cover the whole country using fibre optics," he said.

It was widely believed that with the switching on of the SEACOM and The East African Marines Systems (TEAMS), satellite links would be terminated in favour of the cables' connections.

Satellite and cables are interdependent but the former is preferred in underserved areas to offer end-to-end solutions.

Such will come in handy as the government focuses mainly on taking ICT development to the rural areas goes about launching such programs such as digital villages and 'pasha' centres. Erez Antebi the CEO of an Israeli-based Satellite firm Gilat Satellites said they will provide uniform service at all levels.