Introducing a Satellite Service designed specifically for Fiji Telecom Fiji Ltd's
Satellite Services for Fiji
Telecom Fiji has introduced a new Satellite Service designed specifically for the needs of the people of Fiji. This new satellite service is capable of delivering Telephony and Broadband for the entire Island group at affordable rates.
The service replaces the original VTSAT implementation with the very latest reliable technology which has been field proven in the harshest environments around the world.
The network is designed to perform even under the heavy tropical rain. Not only does the new service out perform its predecessor but it costs a fraction of the original system.
What is really exciting about satellite delivered services is that it breaks down the service level barriers between cities and the most remote villages. The quality of service is the same whether you are close to the central business district or on some remote island.
The VTSAT terminal is totally autonomous from any central infrastructure. It needs no connections to cable plant or power as it has its own solar powered supply and telephones. Telecom technicians have been thoroughly trained on the new technology and have installed the service into many remote villages to the delight of the Villagers. Users are amazed at the quality of the voice services.
How Does It Work?
The equipment installed at the customer premises is called a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal).
It consists of a 1.8m dish and outdoor electronics for communicating with the satellite and an indoor unit to which standard telephone /fax lines and PCs are connected. The intelligence within the indoor unit processes the calls and distributes them to assigned telephone lines.
Power for the terminal is 12V DC and is supplied by solar panels and batteries (see terminal specifications) The compact modem sized indoor unit communicates via the satellite to a central hub located at TFL’s Yaqara earth station.  |
The compact Indoor Unit (IDU)
The hub provides the central intelligence of the network and is responsible for setting up calls, bill processing data and management of each VSAT connected to the network. In addition the hub is equipped with IP enhancing servers to optimize the performance of the broadband service delivery over the satellite
Telecom staff continuously monitor the health of the VSAT network through the highly sophisticated network management system located at both Yaqara and Suva.
New VTSAT Services:
Basic Telephone Service:
Services include private phone and public payphone. Both pre and post paid services are supported with the public telephone service accommodated using prepaid cards. Number of Lines – Each VSAT is equipped to provide 4 standard telephones. Expansion is capable up to12 lines by the addition of line modules.
Facsimile
Any of the 4 standard telephone lines can support facsimile in either a dedicated or fax/phone mode. Consult your sales consultant on suitable fax models as some older model fax machines may not be suitable for satellite transmission.
Broadband Internet
Two basic download rates are offered: 128Kbps and 256 Kbps. The VSAT has an uplink speed of 64Kbps. The broadband service content and support is provided by Connect. It should be noted that VSATs do not support dial up internet on the telephony lines.
VSAT Resolving the Communication dilemmas
Installation
VSATS make the installation process simple. There is no waiting for cable plant to be connected or 240v power supply. Once the solar panels, antenna and indoor unit are installed it is simply a matter of pointing the antenna at the satellite and the service is available. Telecom Fiji trained technicians are able to advise the best location for the VSAT equipment and perform all the necessary site preparation and installation work.
Service availability
So long as you have an unobstructed view to the north in proximity to your building you can have the satellite service. It can't be simpler.
Distance is No Longer a Barrier
Whether in the city or on a remote Fiji island the satellite footprint provides the medium for the VSAT service not only providing the opportunity for voice and fax services to locations before unreachable by any other technology but enables broadband as well.
Service Maintenance and Support
All new VSAT equipment and installations are guaranteed for a period of one year.
In the unlikely event of a failure the central network management system will immediately detect the failure and alert the operator. A maintenance technician will be dispatched on the first available transport means. After the first year maintenance will be provided on a contract basis.
Future Proofing Fiji
The introduction of the new VTSAT platform enables access to a plethora of applications which have been developed specifically around this technology and are in operation today in many parts of the world. Including:
Distance Learning
The same platform provides distance learning to the most remote areas of Australia and is strongly endorsed by the Northern Territory Government of Australia
EHealth
Doctors in central locations can receive live high resolution images to assist with remote patient diagnosis and make life saving decisions
Ecommerce
Enabling remote offices access to their central office systems and providing the necessary business tools including on line banking, credit card verification and FPOS facilities
ELaw Enforcement
Police can have the means to rapidly transfer images, fingerprints and files from one area to another to assist in day to day police work. Applications enable the central police HQ to broadcast messages simultaneously to all stations.
The applications are as broad as the imagination but the good news is that they are can be accommodated on the new Telecom Fiji VTSAT platform
Terminal Specifications
Antenna: Andrew 1.8m offset fed.
Center Frequency gain Tx – 46.8dBi
Rx – 45.3dBi
Block Up-converter (BUC) 2W
Max EIRP + 49.9dBW
VTSAT Platform: Gilat SkyEdge
Solar Power Supply
DC 12V
2 x 130 W 12V Solar panels in parallel on solar mount
2 x 200 AH sealed lead acid batteries housed in a battery box
DC distribution board and SunSaver 20A solar regulator
VSAT Price Schedule (28/05/10)
With the new VTSAT service TFL offer complete flexibility to make it easy for you our customer. You can purchase the terminal up front or lease it over 4 years. VTSAT Terminal Charges Purchase of Satellite Terminal | With solar | Without solar | $15,500 | $9,750 |
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| Lease of Satellite Terminal (4 years)* | With solar | Without solar | $465/monthly | $295/monthly |
*lease is based on 4 year term no residual
All prices are VEP
Installation Fees
TFL Installation fee is included in the purchase and lease price of the terminal; however additional charges will apply for travel and freight to distant islands.
For Internet Connect will charge installation – Price on application.
Call out charges for both TFL and Connect $100/h exclusive of travel should the fault be caused by customer.
Telephone Service
The Satellite Terminal provides 4 lines in standard configuration. Additional lines can be added to a maximum of 12.
Line rental
Standard PSTN charge of $35VEP per line
Call Charges:
– $0.20 vip/min - same as PSTN inter-region rate.
– $0.35 vip flag fall and $0.20 vip/min - pre-paid rate
– International rates - standard PSTN charges.
Internet Service
The New VTSAT service provides “always on” broadband from Connect
“Connect” Charges Connect can provide 128k, 256k and 512k service to all installations
Contention Ratio – 10 |
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| B/W (kbps)
| Monthly Fee
| Quota (GB)
| Excess Fee (Per MB)
| 128
| $ 158.00
| 2
| 0.10
| 256
| $ 286.00
| 4
| 0.10
| 512 | $550.00 | 6 | 0.10 |
All prices are VEP
The telecommunications services described in this publication are subject to availability and may be modified from time to time. Services and equipment are provided subject to Telecom Fiji's standard conditions of contract. Nothing in this publication forms any part of any contract. |
