NBN 1A and 1B will both be designed as Ka-band high-throughput satellites that use multiple spot beams. The satellites will be launched in 2015 and operated by NBN Co., which was established to provide Australian households and businesses access to high-speed broadband through a network utilizing fiber, wireless and satellite technologies.

   The contract also includes satellite control facilities, support for system capacity planning and optimization, systems to manage satellite operations and end-to-end systems integration support.

   “Satellite is a highly cost-effective solution for providing high-speed connectivity over broad geographic areas and the Australian government has demonstrated visionary thinking in looking to satellite as one of the three chosen technologies to deliver service to every part of the nation,” SS/L President John Celli said in a statement.

   Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.