Communications service provider, Optus to supply managed services for NBN Co’s Interim Satellite Service

The National Broadband Network may be available as early as 1 July 2011 for Australians living in regional and remote parts of Australia, after communications service provider. Optus  was appointed to supply managed services for NBN Co’s Interim Satellite Service.

Vicki Brady, Managing Director, Optus Wholesale and Satellite said, “We’re delighted to have been selected for this critical project.

“Optus is Australia’s leading satellite owner and service provider with over 25 years’ experience in delivering high-quality services to customers nationwide.”

The five year service agreement is worth $200 million to the communications service provider, subject to final design and the implementation of the fully expanded network which will be capable of peak download speed up to 6Mbps.

NBC co are planning to use satellite or terrestrial wireless technology for the approximately seven per cent of Australian homes unable to connect to their fixed-line fibre optic network. 

The communications service provider will oversee management including the provision of satellite capacity, network infrastructure, operating systems and customer premise equipment for interfacing with NBC Co and retail service providers, drawing on over 25 years of satellite experience.

Optus will partner with Gilat Satellite Networks Australia to deploy VSAT network equipment at a number of satellite gateways and end user premises throughout Australia with initial services expected to commence from 1 July 2011.

The service will leverage Optus’ existing Premium Broadband Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) service platform, using capacity on Optus’ D-Series satellites.

Gary McLaren, NBN Co Chief Technology Officer, said, “Optus has the experience, and proven track record within the Australian marketplace of delivering quality satellite services to consumers in regional and remote Australia.

“We are excited to see this project kick off and to start delivering high-speed broadband to some of the most isolated people in Australia.”