Myanmar taps Intelsat for satellite backhaul

Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has arranged to use two Intelsat satellites to improve wireless broadband connectivity for the nation and expand broadband access for businesses.

The multi-year, multi-transponder agreement will allow the government to significantly enhance its own network and help mobile operators achieve their 2G and 3G deployment goals, the parties said in a statement.

This will hasten the expansion of high-speed wireless broadband connectivity for businesses and communities nationwide.

Under the agreement, the ministry will use C-band satellite services over the Intelsat 902 craft for VSAT network and cellular backhaul services, and move to the higher-power services on the recently-announced Intelsat 39 satellite by 2018.

“Over the past few years, Myanmar has made significant strides in expanding access to faster and more reliable broadband connectivity throughout the country,” the ministry’s permanent secretary Khin Maung Thet said.

“With the help of Intelsat’s Globalized Network, we will leverage their satellite solutions to extend 2G and 3G communications services beyond urban centers and ensure that all of our citizens have access to higher bandwidth, superior quality and more affordable mobile broadband connectivity.”

Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler added that the satellite services “will help enrich the lives of the communities [the government] serves by improving medical and educational access, providing a lifeline during times of crisis and enabling Myanmar to foster strong relationships within and outside of the country.”