Newsat Progresses on Development of Australia’s First Independent Next Generation Satellite - Jabiru-1

19 January 2010

NewSat Limited has provided a progress update for the launch of Australia’s first independent next generation satellite- Jabiru-1.

Following the introduction of the 2009 National Broadband Network initiative, which includes provisions to deliver two “next generation” satellites and wireless services to up to 10 per cent of the Australian population, NewSat is pleased to announce its intention to participate in the Australian Government’s $43 billion policy in the satellite and allied technology solutions. 

NewSat also announces a fresh initiative to launch Jabiru-1 in 2012 as a stunning precursor to the NBN satellite developments. The initial Jabiru-1 satellite will cover Australia, South East Asia, the Middle East and sectors of Africa and will be Australia’s first independent commercial satellite operator charting the uplands of the sky.

NewSat has been an active supporter of the recent government policy and has been and remains vigorous in developing its Jabiru-2 satellite programme to meet the needs of the National Broadband Network, with a range of features unique to Jabiru. It is envisioned that this ‘next generation’ satellite could be delivered in the 2013 calendar year, completely supported on Australian soil.  

Jabiru’s business approach is to launch and operate “next generation” satellites that provide video, voice and data applications for Australia and other remote regions in excess of 12Mbps. Broadband speeds that can power a range of satellite applications and that have the ability to change lives.

Jabiru will have an $800 million finance program comprising of a mixture equity, debt, enhanced export credit facilities, and hybrid security solutions to fulfil its proposed initial two satellite investment. Pre-commitment on Jabiru-1 is substantial, as at January 2010, 32 months ahead of the expected launch. 

In commenting on this exciting phase of the Company’s development for NewSat, Adrian Ballintine, Chief Executive Officer said,

“Jabiru-1 will be the first independent next generation satellite for Australia, it will leverage NewSat’s global coverage of 75 percent of the world and further cement the Company’s position as Australia’s largest independently operated Satellite Communications Company.”