optus, newsat court favour

Hey TT
I know I also put in nothing so here is more of same :)

Optus, NewSat court favour as NBN Co asks for satellite industry statements

NBN Co is continuing its drive to muster industry expertise for the planned National Broadband Network with a request for capability statements from satellite operators. And though the latest RCS is broad enough to leave hanging the question of whether NBN Co intends to launch its own satellites or partner with the operators of craft already in orbit, it has nevertheless excited a flurry of responses from satellite players.

Coming hot on the heels of an RCS for active network equipment last month, the latest request seeks statements from ?experienced Satellite Network operators and equipment providers capable of supporting the delivery of NBN Co?s satellite service requirements.? NBN Co executive chairman Mike Quigley confirmed earlier in December that the firm would be using satellite, in conjunction with terrestrial wireless services, to cover areas outside the scope of the network?s fibre footprint; at the time, he suggested that the likely solution would be two new Ka band satellites.

?NBN Co is looking for companies with proven capabilities to act as key suppliers in what represents an important nation-building project and engineering challenge,? said Quigley. ?This is an important milestone in the progress of the project, particularly for the provision of high-speed broadband services to rural and regional Australia.?

The request stipulates that respondents be ?suitably qualified partners that can offer key elements of the satellite network? and also be prepared to work in tandem with other suppliers. Following the RCS, NBN Co expects to invite between five and ten suppliers to participate in a request for proposals process; the deadline for responses to the RCS is close of business on 15 February.

SATELLITE PLAYERS QUICK TO RESPOND: Existing satellite operators lost no time in welcoming the RCS and presenting their own credentials. ?As the only Australian Telco to own and operate satellites and as the market leader in satellite services across Australia and New Zealand, Optus welcomes the NBN Co.?s invitation to submit proof of our capability,? Optus director of government and corporate affairs Maha Krishnapillai told CommsDay. ?As a full service Australian telecommunications provider, Optus is uniquely placed to meet the terrestrial and satellite requirements of our customers... state-of-the-art satellite delivery is one of the most suitable technologies to provide high speed broadband to Australian homes and businesses that are difficult to service using fibre or high speed wireless.?

Meanwhile, Melbourne-based satellite communications company NewSat said that it was ?pleased to announce its intention to participate in the Australian Government?s A$43 billion policy in the satellite and technology solutions.? The firm also emphasised its plans to launch its Jabiru-1 satellite ? billed as the first independent next generation satellite for Australia ? in 2012, as a ?stunning precursor to the NBN satellite developments.? NewSat is simultaneously developing its Jabiru-2 satellite program in anticipation of the requirements of the NBN, anticipating that this satellite could be delivered in 2013.

Petroc Wilton - Commsday
http://www.talksatellite.com/Asia-A798.htm