The news marks the first time a mobile operator has delivered connectivity to these areas.

Intelsat and Lintasarta, an Indonesian information and communication technology company via its mobile network operator subsidiary Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), has rolled out a network to cover remote areas in Indonesia.

Nearly 400 sites, across Central and Western Indonesia including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara have received broadband connectivity with Intelsat’s help using cellular backhaul. In doing so, this is the first time a mobile operator is covering these areas.

Commenting on the agreement, Gaurav Kharod, Regional Vice President of Intelsat, said: “Indonesia’s unique array of topography makes satellite the best option for service. Pairing Intelsat satellites in a hybrid network solution proves to be the best real-world solution to provide countrywide coverage for different population densities. Intelsat understands Lintasarta’s specific requirements and can craft a niche advantage for them to maximise existing hardware platforms to effectively provide the connectivity needed.”

Zulfi Hadi, Marketing & Solution Director, Lintasarta, added: “Intelsat has been and continues to be our trusted partner. The partnership has always allowed us to quickly deploy and expand network coverage wherever it’s needed in Indonesia. Tens of thousands of households will receive first-ever connectivity and benefit from digital connectivity.”