O3B Networks: Providing fiber like capacity and cutting edge backhaul solutions in Pakistan through MEO satellites in partnership with Pak Datacom

O3b Networks the developer of a new fiber-quality, satellite-based, global connectivity solution announced that Pak Datacom Limited (one of Pakistan’s largest Data Network Operators) has signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement as O3b’s exclusive supplier of services into the Pakistan market. The agreement will provide national and international satellite capacity to all borders of Pakistan.
This agreement is of great value to the Pakistani market as fiber quality, high speed internet and data connectivity would be provided through satellite to any location of Pakistan where no other connectivity is available.
The official introduction of these joint services in Pakistan took place in the form of a launch ceremony in Islamabad on 7th September. Top executives from many organizations across different sectors including Telecom, Defence and ISPs were present on this occasion with Saeed Ahmed Khan, Secretary IT & Telecom as the Chief Guest.

In his speech, Mr. Saeed highlighted the importance of satellite communication and the growing need for future technologies in Pakistan. Satellite communication holds high importance in the Pakistani market as it is the only way to access some mobile areas in Pakistan where terrestrial network is not available. Mr. Saeed also talked about the general environment in the current ICT sector of Pakistan, which is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and how it has becoming a people-centric industry. He stated that the stakeholders and the civil societies are joining hands here to solve social issues and needs together. Also reducing the economic gap created by technology have and have-nots.
Many other senior executives and important personalities from the ICT sector were present at the occasion. Other speakers for the occasion included Parvez Ifitkhar, CEO of Universal Services Fund, Steve Collar, CEO of O3b Networks, Ali Raza Bhutta, Managing Director Pak Datacom Ltd and Ali Akhtar Bajwa, COO of Pak Datacom.
Ali Akhtar Bajwa, COO Pak Datacom elaborated on the importance of PDL & O3b agreement and explained how necessary it was to have this unique solution available in a region that has terrain limitations that prevent the deployment of reliable, cost effective fiber optic and backhaul networks. He said the agreement is of great value to the Pakistani market as a new fiber-quality satellite based global connectivity solution, high speed internet and data connectivity would be provided through satellite to any location of Pakistan where no other connectivity is available.
“O3b’s Medium Earth Orbit satellites provide us with fiber-like capacity and cutting edge backhaul solutions, to address the burgeoning needs of fixed and mobile operators in Pakistan. O3b’s technology puts Pak Datacom in a unique position to provide continuous capacity that will intercept the increasing demand we see for high bandwidth services,” said the COO of PDL.
“We are excited about the possibilities O3b’s technology will bring to our market. The Pakistan market will remain reliant on satellite technology, due to terrain limitations that prevent the deployment of reliable, cost effective fiber optic and backhaul networks. O3b’s Medium Earth Orbit satellites provide us with fiber like capacity and cutting edge backhaul solutions, to address the burgeoning needs of fixed and mobile operators in Pakistan. O3b’s technology puts Pak Datacom in a unique position to provide continuous capacity that will intercept the increasing demand we see for high bandwidth services.” Ali Akhtar Bajwa, CEO/MD, Pak Datacom Ltd.
Ali Raza Bhutta, Managing Director of Pak Datacom Ltd, presented an overview of the company’s achievement in recent years. He also elaborated how PDL is playing an integral role in the overall improvement of data communication industry and introduction of new technologies.
Steve Collar, CEO of O3b Networks talked about O3b’s unique service solution and how it was going to have a positive impact on the region in many aspects.
“Pakistan remains a very vibrant market, there were more than a 100 million subscribers in the mobile market by the end of 2010 and the market continues to grow rapidly. There is close to 500Mhz satellite capacity that is being used to fuel the mobile market. It has been consistently a part of the top 5 growing markets in the world growing at a rate of about 25{e1f18614b95d3cd6e4b3128e1cd15d99b042a60a5a19c19b7a8e07e7495efa10} per year. It’s also a market that is going to need more and more satellite capacity, it is a very challenging market in terms of demographic situation and the terrain. So it is essential to have a satellite network joined with a terrestrial network to successfully provide services throughout the country. And with all the growing mobile services, there is also going to be an increasing need for backhaul services. I am pleased and excited about the possibilities our unique Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) technology will bring to the Pakistani market and look forward to seeing the positive impact it has for development to the region” Steve Coller, CEO, O3B, who later talked about how O3B is going to fill in the need for satellite communication in Pakistan through this joint venture with Pak Datacom, one of the largest and most reliable data network operators in Pakistan.