Bluewave selects Eutelsat’s IP Easy service for state-of-the-art, future-proof satellite broadband in Myanmar

Photo credit:  “iStock”

New service to contribute to bridging the digital divide across Myanmar

Paris, Yangon, 16 November 2015 – In advance of the CommuniCast Myanmar 2015 exhibition, the local telecoms operator Bluewave announces its selection of the IP Easy solution provided by Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) in order to offer a new satellite broadband service in Myanmar. Commercialised from today, the service will offer speeds of up to 12 Mbps and will be operational from first quarter of 2016 using capacity on the EUTELSAT 70B satellite that provides countrywide coverage of Myanmar. Eutelsat’s IP Easy service will accelerate broadband access for unserved and underserved users, remote communities and enterprises at a time of exceptional economic development in Myanmar.

The new service uses Newtec’s cutting edge VSAT broadband platform (Sat3Play®) and terminals (MDM2200 IP satellite modems, antennas and interactive LNBs). The user-friendly installation of the equipment can be done directly by end-users thanks to a “Point & Play” system and the set-up is compact with similar antenna sizes to satellite TV antennas.

Bluewave is now offering a true high-speed, highly reliable and affordable broadband solution for communities and corporates in Myanmar irrespective of their location. It will take the broadband experience to another level, bridging the digital divide with competitive offers in a country characterised by a wide surface area and mountainous and highland regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Eutelsat's IP Easy service is ideal for users operating in locations where satellite is the only route to connectivity and delivers the same quality to all users across the country. With download speeds starting at 512 Kbps and going up to 12 Mbps, a wide selection of packages are designed to suit connectivity needs and requirements, from SMEs to larger corporations.

Michel Azibert, Commercial and Development Director at Eutelsat, said: “We are proud to deploy our IP Easy solution for the first time in Asia and to support Bluewave in its push to contribute to the digitisation process in Myanmar. Our EUTELSAT 70B satellite offers seamless coverage of Myanmar and prime positioning over South-East Asia. This new step reflects Eutelsat’s strategy to develop satellite broadband in the Asia-Pacific region on ground at sea and in-flight.”

Clement Larroque, Managing and Operations Director at Bluewave, said: “As a support to our aspirations in providing affordable, reliable Internet to all communities in Myanmar, Eutelsat’s IP Easy platform combined with the EUTELSAT 70B coverage is a perfect fit for extending our reach across the entire country. The solution enables us to provide best-in-class, global connectivity services at a critical time of rapid economic and social development in Myanmar, with high-quality services especially tailored to enable all communities to fully seize opportunities to contribute to the long-term prosperity of the country.”

Eutelsat will attend the CommuniCast Myanmar 2015 exhibition (booth B11) in Yangon from November 17-19 and will also take part in two panel discussions on 18 November during the Myanmar Satellite forum:

- 9.30 am: Satellite Operators Thought Leadership 

Myanmar is a highly promising greenfield market where the government has set out an aggressive deployment plan to increase broadband and wireless connectivity within a very short timeframe. Satellite services are key enablers where the role the industry can and will play in Myanmar represent opportunities that can be replicated not only from a market standpoint but as a development template for other nations to emulate.

Eutelsat representative: Jean-François Fenech - CEO Eutelsat Asia

- 2.00 pm: Strategy discussion for developing broadcast services and new media platforms

Eutelsat representative: Ken Loke - CCO Eutelsat Asia