SingTel (ASX:SGT) subsidiary Optus has commissioned a tenth satellite to augment capacity and enhance its ability to provide services in remote areas.
The company on Monday said the Optus 10 will be constructed by satellite provider Space Systems/Loral. It will be delivered in 2013.
Optus, which already operates Australia's largest satellite fleet, said it would use the new bird to add capacity to provide broadcast services and two-way voice and data communications services to areas in and around Australia and New Zealand.
“This is vital infrastructure, particularly for those areas without access to terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure,” Optus managing director for wholesale and satellite Vicki Brady said.
Optus launched its first satellite 25 years ago, and deployed a number of D-Series satellites in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
Its satellites provide services to A/NZ government departments, large companies and broadcasters including FOXTEL, ABC, SBS, Seven and Nine.
The company could soon face competition in the form of NewSat (ASX:NWT), which plans to launch its independent Jabiru-1 satellite in the final quarter of 2012 and has been busy negotiating a series of capacity deals.
SGT shares rose 1.79% on Monday to $2.280.
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