Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has signed an agreement with Intelsat to use two of its satellites to aid the expansion of wireless networks. Under the terms of the deal, the MoTC will use C-band satellite services on Intelsat 902 and Ku-band services on Intelsat 906 for VSAT and cellular backhaul services. Commenting on the pact, permanent secretary at the MoTC Khin Maung Thet said: ‘Over the past few years, Myanmar has made significant strides in expanding access to faster and more reliable broadband connectivity throughout the country. With the help of Intelsat’s Globalised Network, we will leverage their satellite solutions to extend 2G and 3G communications services beyond urban centres and ensure that all of our citizens have access to higher bandwidth, superior quality and more affordable mobile broadband connectivity.’
In a related development, KBZ Gateway, a subsidiary of Myanmar-based KBZ Group, has partnered with Asia Satellite Telecommunications (AsiaSat) and Hughes Network Systems to provide high speed broadband services for government, business and consumer customers, the Myanmar Times reports. Under the deal, Hughes will build KBZ’s new earth station in Bago and install antennas and other elements of its terrestrial network, whilst AsiaSat will provide satellite connectivity. KBZ claims that the new system will be capable of providing download speeds of up to 100Mbps, with the rate set to increase in 2017, when a third AsiaSat orbiter enters service.
Finally, Southeastasianet Technologies Myanmar (Seanet) has also signed a pact with Hughes, enlisting the company to provide its Jupiter System satellite solution. Seanet plans to use the solution to provide VSAT broadband services to businesses nationwide, particularly in underserved areas. ‘There here is a large pool of pent-up demand for internet service in Myanmar’s business community,’ Chairman Pyone Maung Maung explained, adding: ‘The Hughes Jupiter System gives us a powerful tool for tapping into it with cost-effective plans that deliver high speeds and bandwidth allowances. Partnering with Hughes also gives us access to a broad and deep source of satellite networking experience that will prove invaluable in our expansion throughout Myanmar.
Source: TeleGeography Commsupdate
