SES, O3b enter satellite Internet capacity deal with Digicel in Papua New Guinea

A recent partnership between satellite operator SES and satellite service provider O3b Networks will provide satellite Internet capacity to Digicel, a mobile telcom operator based in Papua New Guinea.

Digicel is a long-term partner of SES. The telcom company will be using capacity from the NSS-9 satellite operated by SES, as well as the Medium Earth Orbit fleet run by O3b, to provide Internet on satellite bandwidth for its cellular network services in the Pacific island nation.

The contract with Digicel offers a unique connectivity solution featuring complementary geostationary satellites and Medium Earth Orbit satellites. The combination of the NSS-9 satellite's comprehensive coverage and the O3b constellation's high throughput and low latency allows Digicel to provide its customers in Papua New Guinea with cheap, efficient, andreliable cellular network services.

The cost-effective O3b solution supports Digicel's innovation of mobile services in the Pacific region by extending the local networks' coverage through O3b's satellite transport services.

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O3b, Gulfsat Madagascar team up for Internet on satellite services

A long-term capacity deal between O3b Networks and Gulfsat Madagascar is expected to generate high-speed Internet on satellite and telephony services for residential and commercial customers in Madagascar.

The O3 Medium Earth Orbit satellite fleet will provide Gulfsat Madagascar with unlimited and affordable Ka-band capacity. The African telecom service provider will use this connectivity to deliver a wide range of Internet on satellite, voice, and data transmission services.

Gulfsat reported that consumers and businesses in Madagascar are highly interested in an affordable, fast, and reliable Internet solution. Its partnership with O3b Networks will optimize Internet on satellite access for customers in Africa.

Satellite making internet-on-the-go possible

In our globalizing world, more and more people are clamoring for internet-on-the-go. The demand for Wi-Fi connection has increased also due partly to the rise of more powerful, and smarter mobile devices. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are rendered almost useless in places where there is no Internet connection.

Many industries, sectors, and organizations are looking at internet from satellite to provide wireless connection anytime, anywhere. Terrestrial networks may be the most favored technology for broadband distribution, but in places where geography makes it impossible to lay cables, satellite technology is the ideal solution.

Internet by satellite is also being used in the transport sector. Airlines and cruise ships are installing satellite terminals to provide in-flight and on-board Internet connection to passengers. Even train stations and trains are using the wireless technology to provide greater connection on-the-go. 

Business travelers, tourists, and commuters are welcoming the arrival of such technology. This means they can read the news, send emails, use mobile travel applications on their phones, and even make video calls before they board trains and planes, or while honeymooning in a cruise ship of the coast of Chile. 

Satellite internet may not completely replace fibre technology. But it is certainly the best solution and coverage for the last mile. 

Satellite Broadband for the US via Dish Network

With the recent improvements in the US satellite industry, the country now has the technological capacity to support a nationwide satellite broadband project. The advancements in the satellite sector now enables operators to use higher-frequency bands.

Dish Network to deliver satellite broadband nationwide

Dish Network, in particular, is planning to roll-out internet by satellite with the help of EchoStar Corp's spacecraft, the EchoStar 17 satellite. The spacecraft itself has been delivering increased bandwidth capacity and can provide up to 15 megabits in download speeds. However, expect the broadband-Internet service to offer lower speeds, at around 5 megabits, in order to increase capacity for more customers.

The time frame for the project's implementation would be around September and October. Dish Network is targeting consumers in rural regions who are unable to access the Internet with the help of terrestrial infrastructure like cable broadband. 

The company has been offering broadband-Internet service via satellite in partnership with ViaSat, although the offers was limited to specific regions of the US. The latest project, however, will see Dish Network offer packages and bundles which would include video services.

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