NBN satellite

Australian Government-owned National Broadband Network (NBN) has awarded a $620m contract to US-based Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) to design two next-generation Ka-band 1A and 1B communications satellites.

The satellites are planned to be launched in 2015 to provide high-speed broadband services in the country’s most remote areas.

Space Systems/Loral president John Celli said: "We are honoured to be a part of the Australian Government’s initiative to provide universal broadband service to all of its citizens."

"Today, access to the internet is crucial for education, safety, and economic development," Celli said.

"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 follows a two-year procurement process by NBN and it is part of a $2bn investment to deliver the long-term satellite service to NBN.

Under the contract, the company will provide ground systems, end-user equipment and the space launch as well as supply associated telemetry, tracking and command systems for NBN’s long-term satellite service.

Satellites and ground-based control systems are expected to be delivered in the next 41 months while the first satellite launch is scheduled for early 2015 and the second for late 2015.

The satellite pair will provide internet broadband services to outback areas and Australia’s external territories such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Macquarie Island and the Cocos Islands.

NBN Chief Executive Officer Mike Quigley said: "NBN Co’s satellites have been designed to deliver initial peak speeds of 12/1Mbps at the wholesale level for the same wholesale access price as similar fibre services."

"It will be possible for retail service providers to offer services to homes and businesses in the satellite footprint that are as good or better than the services many city people currently experience," Quigley said.

NBN is planning to award the two further tenders for the delivery of other components of the service and is evaluating supplier submissions for the construction of satellite ground systems while it is also planning to release a tender for the launch of the satellites into orbit.

The satellite programme is part of Australia’s $35.9bn National Broadband Network (NBN) which will provide superfast broadband connection to all homes, schools and workplaces by 2021.

 

Image: The launch of the first satellite is scheduled for early 2015 and the second for late 2015. Photo: SS/Loral.