[SatNews] Pactel International has just partnered with TSKL, a local telecommunications carrier in the Republic of Kiribati, to supply its residents with internet links via RICS (Rural Internet Connectivity System).

This partnership means that Internet services will now be made available to the most remote areas of the country. The RICS (Rural Internet Connectivity System) is designed to provide two-way Internet connectivity to all of the Pacific Island countries, with Internet download speeds between 256kbits/second and 2,048kbits/second, using a 1.2m Ku-band antenna in 1:4 and 1:10 ratio. RICS is directly connected to Pactel’s US Tier 1 backbone via GE-23 at 172 degrees East. It is based on the SHIRON DVB-S2 ACM Intersky platform, using the latest modulation techniques to ensure reliability, availability, and throughput. Self-installation is the key component in RICS service as it allows end users to perform the commissioning of the satellite dish independently. Such saves costly professional installation fees. RICS runs on 110V/220V or 24 volts and consumes only 35 watts of power, resulting in compatibility with solar equipment. To date, Pactel International has already supplied a number of internet links via RICS into local schools, hospitals and small businesses into the remote locations of the country, where internet connection was previously unavailable.