NBN Co signs contract for delivery of NBN satellite service

High-speed broadband for regional and remote Australia is one step closer following the signing of a contract for two new satellites today.

NBN Co has signed a contract with Space Systems/Loral for the delivery of two Ka-band satellites and associated tracking, telemetry and control systems, as part of the National Broadband Network (NBN) long term satellite service.

The two new satellites mean that upon launch in 2015, NBN Co will be able to offer a 12 megabits per second (Mbps) download  and one Mbps upload service, at uniform national wholesale prices, to premises outside the NBN fibre and fixed wireless footprints.

This will deliver a step-change in performance for satellite users, both in terms of speed and reliability, compared with existing satellite services.

The contract follows a comprehensive procurement process and builds on the NBN Interim Satellite Service which was officially launched on 1 July 2011 and is providing access to enhanced broadband for regional Australians.