Southern Cross Cables is in the process of laying its new Southern Cross Next cable to augment and eventually replace its existing cable network.

Using the SES O3b constellation to connect remote stations on the new network will provide an immediate connectivity boost while the new cable is commissioned and other upgrades are carried out.

The SES service can be rapidly deployed and delivers "fibre-like performance" with round-trip latency of less than 150ms as the satellites are in medium earth orbit.

"We are glad to have a partner in SES Networks that is well-known in the region for providing tried-and-tested, fibre-like, high-speed connectivity services through its O3b constellation," said Southern Cross CEO Laurie Miller.

"As we work on laying the groundwork to improve connectivity, network resilience and network performance with the incoming Southern Cross Next network, we needed a strong and robust satellite network which could perform at the same level of low-latency, high-availability standards as our incoming next-generation cable network. SES's solution not only fit the bill, but actually far exceeded our stated requirements."

SES Networks APAC director John Turnbull said "This cooperation with Southern Cross is of utmost importance because it truly shows the complementary nature of satellite and undersea cable networks. It is a great example of how the entire network ecosystem can work together to ensure the Pacific region – with thousands of islands and vast open seas in between – remain connected at all times.

"The unparalleled reach of satellites and its ability to be rapidly deployed can complement and augment large-scale terrestrial infrastructure, delivering more connectivity resilience wherever you are, anytime you need it. With demand for connectivity and data consumption growing at an accelerating pace across the Pacific, we believe this hybrid network infrastructure is going to benefit businesses and communities greatly."