SES-Astra has signed up Kokua Communications as its first European Ka-Band return path client. SES says there are other major announcements pending. The deal calls for Kokua to use capacity on Astra’s 1H satellite at 19.2 East. Kokua will supply two-way broadband Internet access and business applications for Small- and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs), remote sites of large corporations, and SOHOs (Small Offices/Home Offices), using Astra’s Ka-Band satellite return path in combination with the co-located Ku-Band forward path. Kokua aims to have 15,000 Satellite Interactive Terminals deployed at customer premises during the first 18 months of service.

Kokua is based in London, and with offices in the US, Kokua will offer services in the UK later this year and Europe-wide next year. Kokua is backed by eVentures and investors include the IBM Pension Fund, and last year announced they had signed a “partnership” with SES for space segment.