10 October 2022
Kacific Broadband Satellites Group has partnered with Vodafone PNG to deploy Kacific’s mobile backhaul services, expanding Vodafone PNG’s voice and 3G/4G data network into rural parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Launching earlier this year, Vodafone PNG has committed to wholesale bandwidth delivered by Kacific’s high-speed Ka-band satellite, Kacific1. The cost-effective mobile backhaul bandwidth will primarily be used for voice and data and will serve both enterprise and residential users.
“Kacific and Vodafone PNG see huge potential for growth in Papua New Guinea, as well as a genuine thirst from the country’s citizens for affordable and reliable mobile and data services. Together we aim to disrupt the market in a way that brings more choice and better connectivity to everyday people,” said Brandon Seir, COO, Kacific.
“There is real potential for satellite-based communication services to help Papua New Guinea increase access to communications services from 10 percent (in 2009) to 100 percent of the population – a goal of the nation’s strategic development plan, Vision 2050.”
PNG has some 9 million inhabitants using more than 3.3 million mobile connections, leading to a mobile penetration of 36%. 3G coverage currently reaches around 73% of the population, according to recent reports. The majority of the population are located in remote and rural areas, rendering satellite a practical connectivity tool for the region.
“In every market, we aim to be the best. With Kacific, Vodafone can provide the best coverage and increase local people’s access to reliable, high-speed voice and data services.” says Nirmal Singh, managing director, Vodafone PNG. “Kacific satellite services vastly reduce the cost and complexity of remote terminal installation, allowing Vodafone to rapidly deploy our network across the nation, including to the underserved rural areas. Together we are providing greater access on a large scale, helping increase Papua New Guinea’s basic infrastructure in order to grow and prosper.”
