Bluesky and ABS Enhance Internet Connectivity For the People of Samoa and the Pacific

Bermuda, 27th January 2016 - ABS and Bluesky Pacific Group (Bluesky) have signed a multi-transponder contract on ABS-6. The multi-year capacity deal will offer expanded satellite connectivity services across the Samoan islands and the Pacific.

Under the agreement, Bluesky will use the On C-band (OCB) platform for internet, telephony and video content delivery services to Samoa and American Samoa. This will enable Bluesky to readily extend current high speed internet connectivity to meet increasing customer demands as required. Bluesky will also provide essential bandwidth to outlying islands where little or no internet access is currently available. The OCB service is an extremely affordable high-speed Internet access platform delivered by ABS at pricing levels unheard of in the Pacific Region. It targets to provide 99.9% uptime service that will not be affected by rain degradation.

Bluesky is a leading Pacific regional telecommunications operator providing mobile, broadband, IPTV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa and Cook Islands and mobile services in New Zealand. The OCB platform will enhance satellite connectivity to the Pacific where frequent typhoons and cyclones are common and C-Band communications are crucial for survival and for the wellbeing of the people. With this extension of internet platforms, Bluesky customers can be assured of greater availability of internet services and coverage in more locations.

ABS strives always to bring the best value for its customers. OCB is an example of our commitment of combining high quality and cost effective satellite services to a market that has not been well served by the incumbents, who have managed to keep prices high in the region that could least afford it. ABS aims to reset both the quality and affordability expectations in the Pacific region for the betterment of all the customers who we aim to serve, said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. We are working closely with Bluesky to provide network access to support their constituents with emerging technologies to connect the Pacific.

The need for communications is very important to our economies and Pacific people. We are committed to ensuring that all the Island's communication needs are constantly available, provide the best value and the most reliable services to all our customers , commented Adolfo Montenegro, CEO of Bluesky Pacific Group.

About ABS:

ABS is one of the fastest growing global satellite operators in the world. ABS offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organizations.

ABS operates a fleet of satellites; ABS-2, ABS-3A, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6, ABS-7. The satellite fleet covers 80% of the world's population across the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia.

The new satellites: ABS-2A and ABS-8 are planned to launch in early 2016 and 2017/2018 respectively. ABS plans to add more satellites in the next 2-3 years to its growing fleet.

Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS has offices in the United States, Dubai, South Africa, Germany, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong. ABS is majority owned by funds managed by the European Private Equity firm Permira. The Permira funds acquired ABS in 2010.

For more information, visit www.absatellite.com

About Bluesky Pacific Group:

Bluesky Pacific Group is a leading regional telecommunications operator in the Pacific providing various combinations of mobile, broadband, TV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand.

Bluesky Communications was launched in American Samoa on July 10, 1999. As a mobile phone company, Bluesky subsequently grew to encompass ISP and cable TV operations. Since then Bluesky Pacific Group and the services offered have grown to what it is today, having expanded into Samoa in March 2011 by purchasing SamoaTel, then into the Cook Islands and New Zealand in 2015.

The Group includes American Samoa Hawaii Cable, LCC, which owns and operates the ASH cable, from American Samoa to Hawaii, and the SAS Cable connecting Samoa to American Samoa.

Since its inception, Bluesky has accomplished a number of technical achievements through a determination to enable Pacific people and businesses to access new technologies, reduce costs, empower employees and thrive as a business.

For more information, visit www.blueskysamoa.com

LINK:	http://www.absatellite.com/2016/01/27/bluesky-and-abs-enhance-internet...
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