Satellite communications lifting S-E Asia's remote regions into Internet age

A MINI space race is erupting across parts of South-east Asia as countries and enterprises adopt satellite communications (SatComms) to leapfrog the adoption of info-communications technology (ICT) and lift citizens from remote regions into the world of Internet and e-commerce.

Indonesia and Myanmar have turned to SatComms technology instead of traditional terrestrial copper or fibre lines to link villages across remote islands or mountainous regions. The new SatComms networks enable Internet connectivity and e-commerce functions which urban dwellers take for granted - such as withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) and even credit card transactions.

Increasingly, governments, telcos and enterprises are coming round to accept the specific advantages of SatComms, which include complete independence from wired telecoms infrastructure, easy installation of equipment in built-up areas and remote regions, standardisation of terminals in all locations and stable connectivity even amid inclement weather.