Singapore - 19th June 2013 – On the verge of launching its next-generation satellite constellation, O3b Networks today announced a major long-term capacity deal, providing fiber equivalent capacity to Malaysian telecoms provider Maju Nusa.

The multi-million dollar, multi-year deal, awarded under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications, will allow Maju Nusa to deploy mobile data services significantly further into mobile operators’ networks, reaching rural communities in Malaysia where there is little or no access to broadband.

Maju Nusa is a premium Managed Solutions Provider based in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive range of broadband networking technologies, solutions and services to customers from various market verticals such as Consumers, SME’s, Businesses and Telcos. It aims to close the digital divide existing between rural and urban Malaysia and is involved in a number of government initiatives providing high speed broadband and 3G mobile voice and data coverage to rural Malaysia.

O3b is the first satellite operator to enable a significant 3G network deployment over satellite. Affordable satellite backhaul combined with Maju Nusa’s innovative RAN (Radio Access Network) sharing approach allows voice and data services to be profitable for mobile operators substantially further into the network, extending 3G reach beyond urban centres.

Shahruddin Salehuddin, Managing Director, Maju Nusa, said “We are looking forward to growing our business with the help of O3b. Maju Nusa will employ O3b’s capacity to extend our reach to remote areas by offering high bandwidth, superior quality of service and still be more cost effective when compared to traditional GEO satellites. This announcement is an important step forward as we look to play our part in the 1Malaysia initiative, closing the digital divide between rural and urban areas.”

“Utilising the O3b network, Maju Nusa will be able to deliver 3G service to customers over satellite from 2014. For many, this will mean that they will go from zero connectivity to 3G for cellular services practically overnight. Interactive services are not available today in these areas. Indeed, at present people commonly need to travel out of their village simply to make a phone call. As well as helping us improve our service, O3b helps to reduce Capex costs, aggregating our existing 111 sites over Peninsular Malaysia into only 20 customer terminal locations.”

Steve Collar, CEO, O3b Networks, said, “We are delighted to be announcing our first mobile backhaul deal ahead of our service launch. This will bring 3G services to hundreds of thousands of people who until now have been without broadband connectivity. O3b’s speed and affordability is a perfect complement to Maju Nusa’s innovative 3G network in delivering value to Malaysia’s mobile operators.”