Kumasi (Ashanti), 19th July 99 ?

Ghana Telecom (GT) has introduced the "Vsat" technology, a satellite-based network telecommunication which enables head offices of corporate bodies outside Ghana to have direct access to their branches including those located in areas that are not within the terrestrial links of GT.

Mr S.K. Ainsoh, General Manager (Product Development and Marketing) of the company, said this in a presentation on the new technology to some heads and representatives of financial institutions, hospitals, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the security services and other corporate bodies in Kumasi.

He explained that "Vsat," has already been applied for corporate networking by Unilever and the Metropolitan and Allied Bank, while that for Standard Chartered Bank is being installed.

Mr Ainsoh said Ghana Telecom is using the technology for its customer management and billing system.

He noted that apart from the inherent advantages of security, reliability and availability, the new technology does not lend itself to unnecessary interference.

Mr Ainsoh said there are plans to ensure that all parts of the country have access to telephone in the next five years.