Measat-3d satellite launches into orbit, delivers first ping

KUALA LUMPUR – Connectivity in the country, especially in rural areas, is expected to improve following the launch of the Measat-3d satellite early this morning from the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana, South America.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, speaking at a live screening of the launch at the World Trade Centre here, said the satellite is expected to elevate the country’s connectivity with speeds of up to 100 megabytes per second (Mbps), matching the strength of most 4G spectrums.

“Even though we have managed to achieve 97% internet connectivity coverage under Jendela (National Digital Network) that connects these areas through fibre optic connections, there is about 3% of rural areas, which are not fully covered that must be connected through satellite technology.

“But the latest Measat-3d will be capable of supplying broadband level internet connections to these areas with speeds from 35 Mbps to 100 Mbps, which is about the same as some 4G coverage network speeds.”

He said such internet speeds will allow users in rural areas sufficient network stability to participate in video calls and stream live videos, as opposed to the current bandwidths, which struggle to cope with heavy data usage.

“Now they are only able to use basic voice and data services over the internet, but soon they will be able to experience similar connectivity as those living in urban areas.”

Measat-3d satellite launched into orbit from European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 5.50am Malaysian time pic.twitter.com/TubzLYfEYd

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) June 23, 2022

Annuar said the latest satellite, the eighth of such launched by Measat Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd, is expected to become fully operational within a month after the completion of several benchmark tests.

“So, we hope that as we approach 2025, we will be able to achieve 100% connectivity throughout the country, and with the advancements offered through the Measat-3d, we will be able to improve broadband and high-speed internet services and bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.”

The launch was also witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Annuar’s deputy Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, and Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

The satellite launched into orbit from the Kourou launchpad at 5.50am this morning, as part of a payload of the Ariane-5 ECA rocket is expected to benefit two million Malaysians with better internet connectivity.

About 40 minutes after blast-off, the RM1.2 billion 5.6-tonne satellite relayed its first signal to Earth, signalling its first point of communication for the next 18 years it is expected to remain in orbit.

The last satellite launched into space by Measat was in 2014. – The Vibes, June 23, 2022