Cooks sign deal with O3b to expand faster internet to additional four islands

O3b Networks (O3b) has signed an agreement with Telecom Cook Islands for the provision of satellite bandwidth for high speed internet connectivity to an additional four islands in the Pacific nation’s southern group. The bandwidth will be supplied over O3b’s Medium Earth Orbit satellite constellation which is scheduled for service in the third quarter of 2013. In 2011 Telecom Cook Islands signed an agreement with O3b for the provision of high speed internet connectivity for Rarotonga. The extended agreement will allow Telecom Cook Islands to cost effectively distribute the bandwidth between Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atui, Mangaia and Mauke. As a result, each island will receive more than 20 times the bandwidth they enjoy today, while another island, Mitiaro, will receive faster internet via a microwave radio link.