[SatNews] On the verge of launching its next-generation satellite constellation, O3b Networks has announced a major long-term capacity deal, providing fiber equivalent capacity to Malaysian telecoms provider Maju Nusa. The multi-million dollar, multi-year deal, awarded under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications, will allow Maju Nusa to deploy mobile data services significantly further into mobile operators’ networks, reaching rural communities in Malaysia where there is little or no access to broadband.

Maju Nusa is a premium Managed Solutions Provider based in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive range of broadband networking technologies, solutions and services to customers from various market verticals such as Consumers, SME’s, Businesses and Telcos. It aims to close the digital divide existing between rural and urban Malaysia and is involved in a number of government initiatives providing high speed broadband and 3G mobile voice and data coverage to rural Malaysia.

O3b is the first satellite operator to enable a significant 3G network deployment over satellite. Affordable satellite backhaul combined with Maju Nusa’s innovative RAN (Radio Access Network) sharing approach allows voice and data services to be profitable for mobile operators substantially further into the network, extending 3G reach beyond urban centers.