Myanmar. Photo: Jose Javier Martin Espartosa (Flickr)

[Via Satellite 05-27-2016] Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has entered an agreement with Intelsat to use services from two of the operator’s satellites to advance the deployment of the country’s wireless communications infrastructure and expand broadband access for businesses. The multi-year, multi-transponder agreement awarded under the authority of the MOTC will allow the government of Myanmar to significantly enhance its network as well as other mobile operators’ networks, hastening the expansion of high speed broadband and Internet connectivity to businesses and communities throughout Myanmar.

MOTC will use C-band satellite services on Intelsat 902 located at 62 degrees east, and Ku-band services on Intelsat 906 located at 64 degrees east for VSAT network and cellular backhaul services. By 2018, MOTC will move to new, high power services on the recently announced Intelsat 39 satellite; the replacement spacecraft for Intelsat 902.

“Over the past few years, Myanmar has made significant strides in expanding access to faster and more reliable broadband connectivity throughout the country,” said Khin Maung Thet, permanent secretary, MOTC. “With the help of Intelsat’s globalized network, we will leverage their satellite solutions to extend 2G and 3G communications services beyond urban centers and ensure that all of our citizens have access to higher bandwidth, superior quality and more affordable mobile broadband connectivity. Today’s announcement further underscores our commitment to building a more digitally inclusive society.”