ST. HELIER, Jersey--(BUSINESS WIRE)--O3b Networks today announced a multi-year agreement to provide additional trunking services to the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC). PNCC’s decision to upgrade their O3b service comes after the launch of its PalauCel 3G service in 2015.
PNCC began using O3bTrunk services in October 2014. The low-latency O3b service enabled PNCC to launch PalauCel 3G Mobile Data Service in January 2015, allowing the company to offer both fixed and mobile data services to its growing subscriber base.
PalauCel also supports 2G/EDGE to enable customers to use existing cell phones for data services before upgrading to 3G-enabled smartphones. Palau, located in the Western Pacific Ocean, is part of the Micronesia island group and has a population of 21,000 spread across 250 islands.
The use of O3b satellites, which are closer to the earth than conventional geostationary satellites, reduces latency, increases internet speed and improves voice and video quality for the user. O3b’s next generation IP trunking solution boosts existing link capacities to rival the affordability and latency of fiber.
“We are delighted with the response to our PalauCel 3G Mobile Data Service, made possible by the O3b network,” said Paul Kingzio, General Manager PNCC. "As we continue to seek new and better offerings for our customers, we need reliable and scalable connectivity that will keep up with the increasing needs of subscribers.”
“We are very pleased that PNCC has valued the O3b service so much that they are increasing their capacity so soon after initial installation,” said Imran Malik, O3b VP Asia Pacific & the Middle East. “PNCC’s increased capacity further adds to O3b’s industry-leading Pacific presence, and solidifies our position as the go-to source for high speed satellite connectivity in the region. PNCC is among a growing list of O3b customers who have launched services, and then quickly upgraded their bandwidth commitment. Once end users have access to better connectivity, inevitably it leads to a rapid uptick in bandwidth demand, and therefore revenues for our customers.”
About O3b Networks Limited
O3b Networks Limited is a global satellite service provider operating a next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in emerging markets. The O3b system combines the global reach of satellite with the speed of a fiber‐optic network providing billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low‐cost, high‐speed, low latency Internet and mobile connectivity. O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
About Palau National Communications Corporation
The Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) is the Republic of Palau’s national carrier for local and international telecommunications services. PNCC offers a full range of telecommunication services nationwide, with over 31,000 subscriptions for Internet, telephone, PalauCel, and digital TV, and has one of the highest telephone penetration rates in the Pacific region. For more information, visit www.palaunet.com.