ScopeTel and Orange Business partner on satellite connectivity in Malaysia

ScopeTel and Orange Business signed an MoU to develop satellite and managed connectivity services across Malaysia and selected APAC markets.

ScopeTel and Orange Business have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop connectivity and digital services for customers in Malaysia and selected Asia-Pacific markets.

The agreement covers satellite communications, network connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud services, IoT, AI, and related technologies. The companies plan to target sectors including oil and gas, maritime, energy, government, and enterprise.

The energy sector is among the areas covered by the MoU. PETRONAS' 2026–2028 Activity Outlook says the company aims to sustain Malaysia's domestic production at approximately two million barrels of oil equivalent per day, supported by continued investment in exploration, deepwater development, and enhanced oil recovery.

Multi-orbit connectivity for remote operations

A central part of the partnership will involve developing multi-orbit satellite communication services for remote and mission-critical operations. The companies plan to combine low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite connectivity with software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity, and managed network services.

The International Telecommunication Union defines LEO satellites as operating within 2,000 kilometers of Earth, while GEO satellites operate 35,786 kilometers above the equator. The shorter signal path of LEO systems reduces latency, while GEO satellites remain fixed relative to Earth and can provide continuous coverage over a defined area. ESA notes that this fixed position allows ground antennas to remain pointed at the same location in the sky.

Under the MoU, ScopeTel will contribute its satellite communications operations and presence in Malaysia, while Orange Business will contribute its global network, digital integration, and managed connectivity services.

Orange Business currently offers LEO- and GEO-based services through satellite operators including Eutelsat, Starlink, and Intelsat. The company says its satellite services cover 150 countries, supported by 25 teleports and more than 30 satellite providers. Its portfolio also includes satellite access integrated with corporate VPNs and connectivity for remote sites, including deployments that use satellite links alongside terrestrial networks.

ScopeTel has provided VSAT services since 1995 and serves sectors including oil and gas, government, defense, maritime, and enterprise, according to the company. Its maritime systems include stabilized VSAT antennas for offshore communications, with applications covering tankers, floating production, storage and offloading vessels, semi-submersible drilling rigs, drill ships, and other vessels.

Partnership remains at MoU stage

The companies plan to jointly offer end-to-end managed communications services, alongside business development, marketing, and project collaboration in Malaysia and selected regional markets.

ScopeTel is based in Malaysia, while Orange Business is part of France-headquartered Orange Group. The companies said the collaboration is also intended to encourage investment and technology transfer, although no financial commitments or specific programs have been announced.

Rakesh Jethi, managing director of ScopeTel, said the companies intend to combine their technologies and expertise to develop digital communications services for the energy sector.

"It represents a shared vision and commitment to combine our respective strengths, expertise and technologies to develop innovative, secure and resilient digital solutions for the energy industry," Jethi said.

Alwyn David, country head for Malaysia at Orange Business, said the partnership would combine Orange Business' global network and managed connectivity capabilities with ScopeTel's satellite communications operations in Malaysia.

"This collaboration will position our organization and ScopeTel as trusted partners in delivering resilient communications for mission-critical operations," David said.

The MoU was signed in Kuala Lumpur by Jethi and David. Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, vice president of Group Strategic Relations & Communications at PETRONAS, Northtelecom group CEO Hadi Nazari Mehrabi, and Northtelecom group CTIO Mahdi Nazari Mehrabi were also present.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint projects and future commercial opportunities. The announcement does not disclose financial terms, customer contracts, deployment dates, satellite capacity commitments, or specific Asia-Pacific markets beyond Malaysia.