Cook Islands to get 155Mbps to the Internet, via O3b satellite

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 15 June 2010 23:59

IT Industry - Deals

Telecom Cook Islands has signed a contract with O3b Networks for the provision of 155Mbps of bandwidth for Internet connectivity via O3b's yet to be launched medium earth orbit satellites.

Jules Maher, CEO of Telecom Cook Islands, said: "This new facility will radically improve broadband service in the Cook Islands with the potential to stimulate the economy and benefit all Cook Islanders'¦It will open up all sorts of opportunities to the residents and businesses of the country." The service is due to be operational in mid 2012."

John Finney, O3b Networks' EVP global sales and marketing, said: "We are very pleased that Telecom Cook Islands has decided to enter the agreement with us and to become our first customer in the region."

Telecom Cook Islands is the largest provider of telecommunications in the Cook Islands. It is a private company owned by Telecom New Zealand (60 percent) and the Cook Islands Government (40 percent). It provides local, national and international telecommunications as well as Internet access on all populated islands.

The Cook Islands have a permanent population of approximately 15,000 citizens, and host about 100.000 annual visitors.

O3b came on the scene in 2008 and initially promised to have its satellites launched by 2010.

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