O3b and Maju Nusa providing High Speed 3G Backhaul Services across Rural Malaysia

Details: James Barton; Category: Satellite Networks; 25 June 2013; 6397 views

On the verge of launching its next-generation satellite constellation, O3b Networks has announced a major long-term capacity deal, providing fibre-equivalent capacity to Malaysian telecoms provider Maju Nusa...

The multi-million dollar, multi-year deal, awarded under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications, will allow Maju Nusa to deploy mobile data services significantly further into mobile operators’ networks, reaching rural communities in Malaysia where there is little or no access to broadband.

Maju Nusa is a premium Managed Solutions Provider based in Malaysia, providing a range of broadband networking technologies, solutions and services to customers from various market verticals such as consumers, SME’s, businesses and telcos. It aims to close the digital divide existing between rural and urban Malaysia and is involved in a number of government initiatives providing high speed broadband and 3G mobile voice and data coverage to rural Malaysia.

O3b is the first satellite operator to enable a significant 3G network deployment over satellite. Affordable satellite backhaul combined with Maju Nusa’s innovative RAN (Radio Access Network) sharing approach allows voice and data services to be profitable for mobile operators substantially further into the network, extending 3G reach beyond urban centres.

Shahruddin Salehuddin, Managing Director, Maju Nusa, said “Maju Nusa will employ O3b’s capacity to extend our reach to remote areas by offering high bandwidth, superior quality of service and still be more cost effective when compared to traditional GEO satellites.”

“Utilising the O3b network, Maju Nusa will be able to deliver 3G service to customers over satellite from 2014. For many, this will mean that they will go from zero connectivity to 3G for cellular services practically overnight. Interactive services are not available today in these areas. Indeed, at present people commonly need to travel out of their village simply to make a phone call.”

Steve Collar, CEO, O3b Networks, said, “This will bring 3G services to hundreds of thousands of people who until now have been without broadband connectivity.”