NBN Co has contracted US company Space Systems / Loral to deliver two satellites designed to boost broadband service in rural Australia. The deal is worth AUD $620 million.
It is hoped that the Ka-band satellites and associated tracking, telemetry and control systems will help deliver peak speeds of 12 megabit per second download and 1 megabit per second upload, bridging the urban / rural divide in Australia. A separate agreement will cover the launch vehicles.
John Celli, President of Space Systems/Loral, commented:
“Satellite is a highly cost-effective solution for providing high-speed connectivity over broad geographic areas, and the Australian government has demonstrated visionary thinking in looking to satellite as one of the three chosen technologies to deliver service to every part of the nation.”
The contract is part of a $2 billion project delivered over 15 years to provide an NBN Long Term Satellite Service. The present Interim Satellite Service was launched on 1st July 2011, and currently provides broadband for Australians in rural and remote areas.
