Bluesky Cook Islands to Launch 4G+ Service via SES Networks

Details: James Barton; Category: Satellite Networks; 05 September 2017; 5582 views

Bluesky Cook Islands has increased the amount of satellite capacity it is using from SES Networks in order to launch 4G+ service to Rarotonga and Aitutaki, the two key cities of the island nation.

The operator is the sole provider of fixed phone, mobile and broadband services to the Cook Islands. The increased capacity delivered on the low latency, high throughput O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) fleet will also allow the extension of 4G/LTE mobile backhaul service to the country’s outer islands, and faster and dedicated broadband service for the Cook Islands Ministry of Education.

The Cook Islands was the first market to use SES Networks’ O3b MEO satellite system in 2014 to deliver 3G/ 4G services to the remote nation. The new agreement signed with SES Networks is part of Bluesky Cook Islands’ substantial network upgrade.

The Cook Islands Ministry of Education will use the increased and faster connectivity from Bluesky to enhance educational programs which will directly benefit the learning experience for students of all ages across the country. Bluesky and the Ministry are jointly developing a virtual education network portal, enabling students, teachers and institutions to exchange educational and teacher training material, develop additional curricular content material, and promote a new culture of information and communication.

“By bringing 4G+ technology to Rarotonga and Aitutaki, we are offering our local consumers and business customers a better mobile data experience which will translate into productivity improvements, expanded business opportunities, and exciting new entertainment options,” said Bluesky Country Manager, Phillip Henderson. “The O3b fleet, instrumental in providing the fibre-equivalent performance needed to roll out the 4G+ service, has made an enormous difference to our subscribers over the last three years.”

“The connectivity needs of the Cook Islands, the first market to see the benefits of fibre-like performance delivered over our O3b fleet of MEO satellites, have increased in the last few years. The connectivity has transformed communities and businesses,” said Imran Malik, Vice President, Fixed Data, Asia-Pacific for SES Networks.