Optus to operate NBN satellites

NBN Co today announced that Optus has secured the contract to operate NBN Co’s two purpose-built satellites that aim to deliver high-speed broadband across rural and remote Australia.

The five-year contract, with options to extend for up to 15 years, was awarded following a competitive tender.

Under the contract Optus will provide tracking, telemetry and control services in connection with NBN’s Long Term Satellite Service. The two satellites currently under construction are scheduled to launch in 2015.

Matt Dawson, program director satellite at NBN Co, said the company was committed to delivering fast broadband to Australians and it made sense to use modern satellite communications to serve around 200,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural and remote areas, including Australia’s overseas territories.

“NBN Co’s Interim Satellite service reached capacity in December 2013 after 48,000 premises ordered a service. To be able to provide fast broadband to rural and remote areas of Australia, the launch of NBN Co’s two new dedicated long-term satellites is crucial,” says Dawson.