Malaysia’s TSGN in satcom boost to provide broadband across Asean

• To also leverage on its network of VSATs
• Opens US$27mil three-in-one carrier-neutral Cyberport

SATELLITE communications (satcom) services and solutions specialist TS Global Network Sdn Bhd (TSGN) said it is investing over RM250 million (US$68 million) in its satcom programme to deliver “next-generation” technology to the Asean region.
 
This would enable the company and its regional partners to deliver high speed affordable broadband, TSGN said in a statement.
 
The company said it aims to leverage its network of VSATs (Very Small Aperture Terminals) and employ cutting-edge satcom technology to deliver reliable, high speed and affordable broadband to the underserved and unserved areas in Malaysia.
 
Speaking at the opening of its wholly-owned TS Global International’s RM100-million (US$27-million) three-in-one Cyberport on March 25, TSGN chairman Hod Parman expressed confidence that affordable high speed broadband could be delivered in conjunction with existing service providers using copper and fibre connectivity.
 
He said the TSGN Group can provide value and supply chains encompassing networks that offer international connectivity especially to the Internet; gateways and aggregation centres; last mile and last foot connectivity; content and applications hubs; and end-user devices and customer premises equipment.
 
“Whilst connecting communities in the urban and suburban areas is relatively simple, the challenge however remains in delivering and driving broadband connectivity to the remote regions – the rural and ultra-rural areas where the copper and fibre connections are unable to address,” Hod said.
 
The TSGN Group comprises TSGN, a fully licensed telco since 2012; TSG International, a Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia) status company and a digital hub facility provider; and an affiliate company Network Integrity Assurance Technology Sdn Bhd, a satcom managed service provider based in Brunei.
 
Hod said rural and ultra-rural areas could be accessed via wireless means. While satcom forms a subset of this wireless platform, it is often the last used or only an interim option due to “misconceptions and inadequate investments in the ecosystem to make it more viable.”
 
He said an open collaborative approach should be adopted to solve and serve market needs, and all players, with the support of the Government, should work together to develop this ecosystem.
 
The TSGN Group said it has identified Indochina, Indonesia and the Philippines as potential growth markets for its full suite of services and expertise. Overseas operations currently contribute about 10% of the group’s total revenue, and it plans to double this to more than 20% over the next five years.
 
Three-in-one ‘Cyberport’
 
Meanwhile, the TSGi Cyberport is a purpose built facility with the latest network technology, operations resiliency, best-in-breed satcom technology and offers a suite of satellite teleport, IP (Internet Protocol) gateway and content/ data centre hosting capability, TSGN claimed.
 
It will target broadcasters, telecommunications companies and corporates.
 
TSGN said the Cyberport’s unique feature and selling point is its “carrier neutral” status, the first in Malaysia. It is not ‘locked down’ to any particular satellite or telco provider, and can seamlessly offer customers freedom of choice.
 
It comprises an antenna farm which will house up to 32 large and small antennas; an international IP gateway with connectivity to local and global telcos; and a 40,000 sq ft Tier 3 data centre. By 2018, the Cyberport will offer another 80,000 sq ft of data centre capability.
 
Building of the facility commenced in 2013 and it was commissioned in the last quarter of 2014.
 
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