iNet announces new high speed broadband service

Sep 03, 2014 News

iNet Communications and Newtec yesterday announced the launch of a new high speed broadband service for Guyana, which enables download speeds of 10 Mbps, at affordable rates, using the IP Easy service operated through the EUTELSAT 8 West A satellite.
It was stated that Newtec’s technology was selected to enhance a previous broadband service to a higher performance level. The new broadband service features Newtec’s VSAT Broadband Platform (Sat3Play®) and terminals (MDM2200 IP satellite modems, antennas and interactive LNBs).

An installation on the GDF base in the New River Triangle

iNet has already deployed the IP Easy satellite solution for several key users, including government and defence, mining, small businesses and residential consumers. The service is said to be ideal for customers with offices in multiple locations where satellite connectivity is the only option to provide connectivity.
A statement from the company said, that the Guyana Defence Force has confirmed its order for this satellite solution to be installed at four of its major remote locations. The first installation was successfully completed at the New River Triangle base, with the remaining installations due to be completed soon.
George Melville, CEO of iNet Communications, said: “When looking to upgrade our broadband infrastructure for this project, we wanted equipment which would be cost-effective and yet easy to install. This is why we have decided to partner with Newtec as their VSAT technology ticks all of the boxes, enabling efficient and high speed B2C and B2B services. The dishes have to be transported from Georgetown to remote locations in the Amazon via light aircraft, where the small size of the antennas facilitates easy transportation.”
Melville continued: “To be able to offer to all Guyanese an affordable 10 Mbps connection over satellite for the first time is something we are really proud of. We are now the only telecommunications provider with this capability, and we are growing the network with several installations per day. Having an affordable satellite network that is simple to install, versatile and robust, is a milestone for Guyana.”
It was noted that Guyana has a large number of mines in the Amazon Rainforest and so providing service to the mining community was an important priority for the project. The company stressed that despite the continent being prone to heavy rainfall; the satellite service has minimal disruptions and can withstand heavy rain with no disruption of service. Several mining camps have already been equipped with the new service.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, said: “Working on this project is very exciting for Newtec and we are pleased that we can help provide the whole of Guyana with connectivity at a competitive price. The iNet satellite broadband solution offers the Guyanese people services to improve economic sustainability and growth.”
It was indicated that for more information about the challenges solved by consumer and business VSAT solutions, interested persons can visit www.newtec.eu/applications/consumer-enterprise-vsat.
Global Technology accelerates access
Meanwhile, Global Technology announced yesterday it has also selected the IP Easy satellite broadband service to accelerate access to broadband locally. Through its licensed telecommunications provider, iNet Communications, Global Technology is now offering Internet connectivity with download speeds ranging from 512 Kbps to 10 Mbps.
The IP Easy service uses Newtec’s VSAT Broadband Platform, including its hub.
Melville, who is also CEO of The Global Technology Group, said: “The agreement announced today with Eutelsat equips us to contribute to bridging the digital divide in Guyana. Thanks to EUTELSAT 8 West A’s unique capabilities, we are really proud of being the only telecommunications provider offering the fastest broadband speeds in Guyana.”
Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, added: “Global Technology’s choice of IP Easy, which follows the path chosen last year by Caribsat in the French West Indies and French Guiana, demonstrates EUTELSAT 8 West A’s prime positioning over the region and the alignment of the service with user requirements. We are delighted to share our expertise with iNet Communications and to lift the obstacles to quality Internet experience faced by users beyond terrestrial broadband.”