When you think of rural Malaysia, you might not thing of next-generation technology. However, O3b Networks is trying to change that. The company signed long-term capacity deal with the Malaysian telecom provider, Maju Nusa, to help deploy more mobile data services.

The multiyear contract will bring mobile data services, including networks and broadband Internet, to areas of Malaysia that currently have little or no access. Although numbers were not discussed, the contract is estimated to be worth millions.

“We are looking forward to growing our business with the help of O3b. Maju Nusa will employ O3b’s capacity to extend our reach to remote areas by offering high bandwidth, superior quality of service and still be more cost effective when compared to traditional GEO satellites. This announcement is an important step forward as we look to play our part in the 1Malaysia initiative, closing the digital divide between rural and urban areas,” said Shahruddin Salehuddin, managing director of Maju Nusa.

“Utilizing the O3b network, Maju Nusa will be able to deliver 3G service to customers over satellite from 2014. For many, this will mean that they will go from zero connectivity to 3G for cellular services practically overnight. Interactive services are not available today in these areas. Indeed, at present people commonly need to travel out of their village simply to make a phone call. As well as helping us improve our service, O3b helps to reduce Capex costs, aggregating our existing 111 sites over Peninsular Malaysia into only 20 customer terminal locations,” said Salehuddin.

This announcement comes on the verge of O3b Network’s next-generation satellite launch. Steve Collar, CEO, O3b Networks said he could not be happier with the new contract and is glad his company is able to help those living in rural areas of Malaysia.

“We are delighted to be announcing our first mobile backhaul deal ahead of our service launch. This will bring 3G services to hundreds of thousands of people who until now have been without broadband connectivity. O3b’s speed and affordability is a perfect complement to Maju Nusa’s innovative 3G network in delivering value to Malaysia’s mobile operators,” said Collar.