Page 87 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

TCC Satellite Hi-Speed Broadband Expands Internet Connectivity Throughout

Tonga

New internet connectivity via satellite links that can reach even was launched today, 21 March, by the Prime Minister and Minister
the most remote areas in Tonga, was launched by the Tonga for Public Enterprises, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku at TCC main office,
Communications Corporation who are working with Kacific a Fasi-moe-Afi, in Nuku’alofa. TCC CEO Mr. Sione Veikoso said the
regional satellite operator. Marketed as ‘Broadband Anywhere”, new product allows internet access from anywhere in Tonga. In
TCC promises that the new fast and reliable internet connectivity launching the service Hon. Hu’akavameiliku made a zoom video
will expand internet access throughout Tonga. The new product call connected to 'Uiha island in Ha’apai, where TCC have set up the
broadband satellite in the government school. "The significance
of bringing high speed internet to the most remote corners of
our Kingdom cannot be overstated," said Hon. Hu'akavameiliku.
Students in the remote islands of Tonga, will have advanced
knowledge in reach. "Small and medium enterprises, the backbone
of our economy will now have the tool to compete on a global
stage, opening up new market ...opportunities that [will] contribute
to the prosperity of our Kingdom." TCC Chief Technical Officer Mr.
Iki Tu’itavake said that there are limitations with the fiber optic
cable and mobile base stations, that Tonga has been developing.
However, this satellite broadband can provide internet access
anywhere in the Kingdom with less expenses, and it is easy to
set up. Kacific Sales Director, Mr. Bipin Solanki said ‘Broadband
Anywhere’ is powered by Kacific, a satellite operator providing a
high-speed broadband internet service for the South East Asia and
Pacific Islands regions.

Intelsat Expands OneWeb Partnership in Deal Worth US$500 million

Global satellite operator Intelsat has agreed to buy more capacity design and functionality input in the development of its next-
from Eutelsat’s OneWeb’s LEO satellite constellation to expand generation OneWeb constellation, which will start replacing the
Intelsat’s multi-orbit business strategy and cash in on growing original LEO satellites as they reach the end of their life around 2027
demand for LEO connectivity. Under a partnership deal announced and 2028. “This expanded partnership with Intelsat represents
on Tuesday, Intelsat said it will combine Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO a strong vote of confidence in the capabilities of the OneWeb
satellite constellation with its geostationary satellite and terrestrial constellation, today and well into the future, and it showcases the
network offerings to deliver “comprehensive customer solutions necessity in today’s world for major satellite operators to have
supporting networks, government, and mobility sectors.” The deal, the ability to offer multi-orbit solutions to their customers,” said
which will commence in the middle of this year, is valued at up Eutelsat Group CEO Eva Berneke. Demand for satellite broadband
to US$500 million over seven years, with a firm commitment of connectivity has been on the rise over the past couple of years
US$250 million now and an optional US$250 million by the end of as LEO players like OneWeb and SpaceX’s Starlink have come on
the contract period. The initial US$250 million includes the US$45 the scene. Emerging markets in particular have been striking deals
million multi-orbit agreement signed by Eutelsat and Intelsat with various existing and upcoming satellite players in hopes of
in March last year. Under that deal, Intelsat integrated OneWeb bridging the digital divide.
services and Eutelsat’s geostationary high-throughput capacity
to support mobile connectivity solutions over Europe, the Middle
East, and the Pacific. The new deal expands that coverage globally.
“We’ve been partnering with Eutelsat for quite some time now,
leveraging its OneWeb LEO constellation to offer a multi-orbit
solution, primarily in commercial aviation,” said Intelsat CEO Dave
Wajsgras in a statement. “We’re now seeing so many additional
opportunities for customers to benefit from multi-orbit solutions.
We believe it’s in Intelsat’s interests, Eutelsat’s interests, and our
customers’ interests for us to expand the partnership that’s already
in place – one that is working well and has strong demand.”
Meanwhile, Intelsat will cooperate with Eutelsat to provide direct

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