NBN Co has selected Space Systems/Loral of California to build two Ka-Band Telecommunications Satellite to be launched in 2015.
The deal that was announced by the Prime Minister and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, is part of the $2Bn investment on the NBN Satellite service that will provide a minimum 12 Mbps service to around 3% of Australia's population - particularly those in remote parts of Australia.
The two NBNCo Satellites to be built by SS/L (image source: NBN Co)
The combined throughput capacity of the satellites is around 90Gbps, with the telemetery, tracking and satellite control elements of the ground segment included in the contract.
The procurement process has been extensive, taking over two years, and involving most of the leading American and European Satellite manufactures. The contract is structured such that a new government would find it difficult to tear up the agreement, protecting the manufacturer from stopping work halfway through the project. There is no word yet as to whether any work will be done in Australia under the contract.
NBN Co is still working through two Satellite related tenders - one for the remainder of the satellite ground segment, and the other the satellite launch services.
Full details can be found on the NBN Co website here.
This is good news. We hope that the upgrade will be successful soon. Here's hoping that improvements in satellite infrastructures will improve the connection for those in the regional areas.
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