O3b Networks has informed FSMTC that the second group of satellites is scheduled to launch July 10 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. The second four satellites, which will join the initial four already in operation, are needed to deliver commercial service to the FSM.
FSMTC has signed five year agreements with O3b for the states of Yap and Chuuk. The multi-million dollar service agreement will enable FSMTC to significantly improve Internet and communication services in Yap and Chuuk through high-speed, low-latency international bandwidth.
Pending the successful launch of the next four satellites on July 10, FSMTC aims to begin testing the new service in Yap by early August. Deployment of O3b service in Chuuk is currently scheduled for September. Customers in those states will be transparently migrated to the new service once testing is complete.