View source for Kacific Broadband Satellites

{{Short description|Pacific Island satellite operator}}
'''Kacific Broadband Satellites Group''' ('''Kacific''') is a [[satellite]] operator providing a high-speed broadband internet service for the South East Asia and Pacific Islands regions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wagenen|first1=Juliet Van|title=Kacific Looks to Bring Connectivity to Remote Regions|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2015/05/14/kacific-looks-to-bring-connectivity-to-remote-regions/|publisher=Satellite Today|accessdate=15 August 2015}}</ref> Its first Ka-band HTS satellite, '''Kacific1''', was designed and built by Boeing and launched into geostationary orbit atop a [[SpaceX]] [[Falcon 9]] launch vehicle on 16 December 2019.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/325028/kacific-puts-in-order-for-new-asia-pacific-satellite|title=Kacific puts in order for new Asia Pacific satellite|date=2017-02-21|work=Radio New Zealand|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en-nz}}</ref>
{{Infobox company
| name = Kacific Broadband Satellites Group
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| type = Private
| industry = Telecommunications
| founded = 2013
| founder = Christian Patouraux
| hq_location_city = Singapore, Singapore
| num_employees = 92 (2022)
| website = {{URL | kacific.com}}
}}
==History==
Kacific is the brainchild of Christian Patouraux, also CEO, who founded the company in 2013. In its first months, to raise capital and develop the business plan, the company attracted Mark Rigolle and Cyril Annarella, who became co-founders.<ref>{{cite web|title=This satellite firm wants to be the 'budget airline' of the internet game in rural Indonesia|url=https://www.techinasia.com/indonesia-satellite-broadband-kacific-bignet/|publisher=Tech in Asia|accessdate=15 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Labrador|first=Virgil|date=1 March 2011|title=Ka-Band Poised to Become Major Market in the MENA Region|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-319230674.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421034313/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-319230674.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 April 2016|journal=Asia-Pacific Broadcasting}}</ref> The company is registered in Vanuatu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vfsc.vu/vanuatu-master/viewInstance/view.html?id=a5c1e83ff0a6678b4255157f07ee7d30901cd3af513d293d&_timestamp=5882645595730059#nodeW734|title=Companies Registry|last=|first=|date=2018-11-19|website=Vanuatu Financial Services Commission|access-date=}}</ref>
In December 2013, Kacific announced its intention to launch Kacific1.<ref>{{citation |date=11 December 2013 |title=Satellite enabling better internet access could boost Pacific economies |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/230554/satellite-enabling-better-internet-access-could-boost-pacific-economies |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TTC, Kacific sign Tuvalu broadband deal|url=https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2014/06/11/ttc-kacific-sign-tuvalu-broadband-deal/|publisher=TeleGeography|accessdate=15 August 2015}}</ref><ref name="boeing">{{citation |date=21 February 2017|title=Kacific puts in order for new Asia Pacific satellite |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/325028/kacific-puts-in-order-for-new-asia-pacific-satellite |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]}}</ref> This [[Ka-band]] [[high throughput satellite]] (HTS) placed in [[geostationary orbit]] will provide high speed internet to the Pacific region and South East Asia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boys, let's get rid of space junk|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/boys-lets-get-rid-space-junk|publisher=[[AsiaOne]]|accessdate=16 August 2015|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325184946/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/boys-lets-get-rid-space-junk|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wagstaff|first1=Jeremy|title=From balloons to shrimp filled shallows the future is wireless|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-internet-connect-idUSBREA3Q0OH20140427|work=[[Reuters]]|date=27 April 2014}}</ref>
Designed and manufactured by Boeing, the Kacific1 HTS satellite is based on the 702 satellite platform.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/kacific-1-satellite-enters-initial-testing-stage--1267703|title=Kacific-1 satellite enters initial testing stage|website=www.telecompaper.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-19}}</ref> Kacific offers direct internet access, via wholesale channels, to government agencies, institutions, businesses, community groups and households within the satellite's total footprint area following the launch of the satellite in December 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jackson|first1=Randal|title=Kacific looks for potential investors in NZ|url=http://www.computerworld.co.nz/article/546032/kacific_looks_potential_investors_nz/|agency=[[Computerworld|Computerworld New Zealand]]|date=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="boeing" />
In June 2014, Kacific signed a five-year agreement with [[Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation]] (TTC) to provide high speed internet bandwidth to TTC and the people of [[Tuvalu]].<ref name="solo">{{cite web|title=Kacific inks satellite broadband agreement with Our Telekom|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/business/3477-kacific-inks-satellite-broadband-agreement-with-our-telekom|publisher=[[Solomon Star]]|accessdate=15 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Momoisea |first=Leilani |date=13 June 2014 |title=Deal to bring high speed internet to Tuvalu |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2599448/deal-to-bring-high-speed-internet-to-tuvalu |work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]}}</ref> In August of the same year, Solomon Telekom Company Limited (Our Telekom) signed a ten-year agreement with Kacific to deliver high-speed broadband to the people of the [[Solomon Islands]].<ref name="solo" />
In September 2014, Kacific signed a cooperation agreement with the [[International Telecommunication Union]] (ITU) for the development of satellite communications capacity and emergency communications solutions for the Pacific region.<ref>{{cite press release |title=ITU to boost communication capacity and emergency communication solutions for small island developing states|url=http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2014/CM06.aspx#.VRM94f6UfMh|website=International Telecommunication Union (ITU)|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref>
In October 2014, Kacific signed a five-year agreement with [[Telecom Services Kiribati Limited]] (TSKL) to provide high-speed broadband to the 33 islands and atolls of Kiribati.<ref>{{cite press release |date=22 October 2014 |title=Kiribati signs with broadband provider Kacific |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/257480/kiribati-signs-with-broadband-provider-kacific |work=Radio NZ International |agency=Plus Media Solutions}}</ref>
In May 2015 Indonesian satellite service provider, BigNet, signed a US$78 million, long-term agreement with Kacific for the provision of high-speed broadband service from 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=BigNet signs broadband deal with Kacific|url=http://www.capacitymagazine.com/Article/3454382/BigNet-signs-broadband-deal-with-Kacific.html|publisher=Capacitymagazine.com|accessdate=26 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indonesia turns to satellite internet to fix broadband holes|url=https://www.techinasia.com/indonesia-satellite-broadband-bignet-kacific/|publisher=TechinAsia|accessdate=26 August 2015}}</ref>
In June 2016, Kacific began an interim service, providing a high-speed broadband internet connection to the rural Lambubu area on Malekula Island, Vanuatu from a Ku-band satellite.<ref name="village">{{citation|title=Vanuatu village taking full advantage of new internet service|date=21 July 2016|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201809135/vanuatu-village-taking-full-advantage-of-new-internet-service|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]}}</ref>
In February 2017, Kacific announced that The Boeing Company will design and manufacture Kacific1, its first satellite based on the 702 satellite platform.<ref name="boeing"/> Later that year, Kacific announced SpaceX as the launch provider for Kacific1, using a Falcon 9 two-stage orbit-class rocket.<ref>{{citation |date=5 September 2017|title=SpaceX to launch Kacific-1 satellite. |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/spacex-to-launch-kacific-1-satellite—1210571 |work=Telecompaper}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://spacenews.com/spacex-wins-kacific-sky-perfect-jsat-condosat-launch/|title=SpaceX wins Kacific, Sky Perfect Jsat condosat launch, new or used rocket TBD - SpaceNews.com|date=2017-09-05|work=SpaceNews.com|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en-US}}</ref>
In September 2018, Kacific selected Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. to manufacture and install its teleport radio-frequency equipment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/kratos-to-build-multi-site-gateways-for-kacific-ka-band-satellite-network--1259736|title=Kratos to build multi-site gateways for Kacific Ka-band satellite network|website=www.telecompaper.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-19}}</ref>
In November 2019, Kacific confirmed its agreement with global digital infrastructure provider, Tata Communications, to provide global internet and cyber security services for Kacific's Ka-band satellite network.
In December 2019, Kacific confirmed that it had secured credit facilities totaling US$160 million with a group of financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and [[GuarantCo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/kacific-with-spacex-launch-imminent-borrows-160-million-for-satellite-refinancing/|title=Space News|last=Henry|first=Caleb|date=6 December 2019|website=Space News|access-date=}}</ref>
On 16 December 2019, the company's first Ka-band HTS satellite, Kacific1, launched into geostationary orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral, Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/16/tech/spacex-launch-kacific-jcsat-scn/index.html|title=SpaceX launches satellite that will bring internet to island nations|author=Jackie Wattles|website=CNN|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>
== Affiliations and memberships ==
Kacific is member of the [[Pacific Telecommunications Council]] (PTC),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://council.ptc.org/PTC/member-listing.aspx|title=Member Listing|last=|first=|date=2018-11-19|website=Pacific Telecommunications Council|access-date=}}</ref> Member of the Pacific Islands Telecommunication Association (PITA), a member of the Global VSAT Forum (GVF),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gvf.org/about-gvf/membersdirectory.html?view=companyprofiles&begins=K|title=Members Directory|last=|first=|date=2018-11-19|website=Global VSAT Forum|access-date=}}</ref> and an affiliate member of the Asia-Pacific Tele-community (APT).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apt.int/affiliatemember|title=APT Affiliate Members|last=|first=|date=2018-11-19|website=Asia Pacific Tele-community|access-date=}}</ref>
== Awards ==
Cooperation of the Year Award 2022 – SIG Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SIG Awards {{!}} Satcoms Innovation Group |url=https://satig.space/the-sig-awards/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Outstanding Satellite Operator of the Year 2022 – PTC Awards.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-01-19 |title=Pacific Telecommunications Council Announces its PTC Awards 2022 Recipients |url=https://www.ptc.org/2022/01/pacific-telecommunications-council-announces-its-ptc-awards-2022-recipients/ |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=PTC |language=en-US}}</ref>
Outstanding Support for PTC's Vision & Mission 2022 – PTC Awards.<ref name=":1" />
CEO of the Year for Wholesale & Capacity (Operator) 2021 – Telecom Review.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telecom Review Excellence Award winners for 2021 |url=https://www.telecomreview.com/index.php/articles/reports-and-coverage/5672-telecom-review-excellence-award-winners-for-2021 |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=www.telecomreview.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>
Project of the Year – Satellite 2021 – Global Carrier Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GCAs 2021 winners announced! |url=https://www.euroconsult-ec.com/press-release/euroconsult-gathers-global-satellite-industry-leaders-at-virtual-event-honors-outstanding-achievement/ |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=www.capacitymedia.com |language=en}}</ref>
Business as a Force for Good Award 2021 - INSEAD Alumni Association.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Announcing Winner of 'Business as a Force for Good Award – 2021' {{!}} INSEAD Alumni Association Singapore |url=https://blogs.insead.edu/singapore-iaa/announcing-winner-of-business-as-a-force-for-good-award-2021/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=blogs.insead.edu}}</ref>
Newcomer Satcom Operator Award 2020 - Euroconsult.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-18 |title=Euroconsult gathers global satellite industry leaders at virtual event, honors outstanding achievement |url=https://www.euroconsult-ec.com/press-release/euroconsult-gathers-global-satellite-industry-leaders-at-virtual-event-honors-outstanding-achievement/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=Euroconsult |language=en-US}}</ref>
Satellite Executive of the Year 2019: Christian Patouraux – Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apscc.or.kr/apscc-honours-outstanding-achievements-in-the-asia-pacific-satellite-industry-at-the-16th-apscc-awards/|title=APSCC Honours Outstanding Achievements in the Asia Pacific Satellite Industry at the 16th APSCC Awards|website=APSCC|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref>
Best Digital Inclusion 2019 – Pacific ICT Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/group-wins-best-digital-inclusion-pacific/|title=Group wins Best Digital Inclusion in Pacific|date=2019-05-22|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref>
Better Satellite World Award 2018 – Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sspi.org/articles/sspi-names-projects-of-the-united-nations-international-university-consortium-and-broadband-satellite-operator-as-recipients-of-the-2018-better-satellite-world-awards|title=SSPI Names Projects of the United Nations, International University Consortium and Broadband Satellite Operator as Recipients of the 2018 Better Satellite World Awards|website=SSPI|access-date=2019-12-13}}</ref>
Best Potential in Asia 2015 – France Singapore ICT Awards.
== Coverage ==
The Kacific1 satellite uses spot beams to place capacity over regions within Asia Pacific.<ref name=":0" /> Countries with areas under spot beam coverage include: American Samoa, Bhutan, Brunei, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kacific.com/our-company/|title=Our Company|date=2018-11-20|website=Kacific Broadband Satellites|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015050/http://kacific.com/our%2Dcompany/|archive-date=2018-11-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
* [http://www.Kacific.com Kacific Broadband Satellites Group website]
* [https://kacific.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Kacific1-Coverage-Map.jpg Kacific1 satellite coverage map]
[[Category:Communications satellite operators]]