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Optus Head Sets Out Satellite Objectives

By | June 18, 2009
Australian telco Optus plays a key role in bringing the benefits of satellite technology to all areas of Australia. The company, part of the SingTel group, is preparing for the launch of it D3 satellite, the final piece of a three-satellite, $477.6 million investment that will increase Optus’ capacity by more than 30 percent. Paul Sheridan, head of Optus Satellite, discussed the launch as well as new business opportunities with CommunicAsia E-Daily.

CommunicAsia E-Daily: What impact has the economy had on the Asian/Australian satellite market?

Sheridan: Optus is performing strongly and we have got plenty to do. In Australia, we have recently rolled out a new high-speed mobile network and extended our mobile network to reach 96 percent of the population, bringing new levels of competition to regional Australia. We have helped bring about a fundamental change in the competitive structure of the broadband market and we are about to launch our 10th satellite into orbit.
In regards to our satellite business, the impact of the current economic environment is expected to take a longer time to become visible as most satellite services are on long-term contracts and are not immediately affected by short-term changes in the market.

CommunicAsia E-Daily: Could you give us an update on the Australian government’s policy to bring broadband services all over Australia?

Sheridan: Optus welcomed the recent announcement that the government would undertake its own build of a National Broadband Network (NBN) primarily utilising fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology. The NBN announcement was accompanied by a commitment from the government for regulatory reform in the Australian telco industry which has the potential to fundamentally change our competitive landscape and create a level playing field. The government appears to have adopted a model which encourages a structurally separated, open access, wholesale-only network. We feel this is a positive outcome for consumers and business right across the country.
The success of the government’s NBN model will be judged on whether a competitive market structure is established, offering broadband at attractive prices to as many Australians as possible. We also expect satellite to play a significant role as our solutions are already a proven technology for the delivery of television, broadband and mobile services to rural and remote locations.

CommunicAsia E-Daily: What impact have telcos had in the Australian broadcast market?

Sheridan: In a country the size of Australia, the distribution of broadcast services via satellite as the primary method continues, at this time, to make the most sense both technically and commercially. Overall, Optus is the second largest telco in Australia, operating national mobile and fixed networks. The upcoming NBN rollout and the accompanying regulatory changes provide the government with an opportunity to significantly enhance competition in the Australian telco market. Satellite is expected to play a significant role in extending the reach of the NBN through the delivery of next-generation satellite broadband and broadcast services.

CommunicAsia E-Daily: Do you see any significant changes happening on the Asia communications landscape over the next year?

Sheridan: With our focus clearly on the Australian and New Zealand markets and with the upcoming changes in the Australian market that we have just discussed and the launch our Optus D3 Satellite, we have plenty to keep us very busy over the next 12 months.

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