Bringing the latest in satellite technology across the globe.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
STEP Electronics installing SATCOM systems in Australian Embassies, DFAT offices
Australian company STEP Electronics recently secured a four-year, multi-million dollar contract with the Federal Government of Australia to install and support a satellite communications system in embassies and government offices throughout Australia and the rest of the world.
Proactive Communications provides mission critical communications in ME
Texas-based systems integrator Proactive Communications Inc., or PCI, has been using satellite technology to integrate camp communications of US government personnel in the Middle East. It has established a partnership with Australian satellite specialist, NewSat Ltd, to use the Adelaide teleport facility specifically for mission critical communications purposes.
What PCI does is convert data, which comes in the form of radio signals, into data streams through IP addresses. Once this is accomplished, the IP data streams are backhauled or transmitted over a satellite orbiting the earth to a telecommunications port facility, in this case the station located in Adelaide. It is essential for military personnel to rely on a systems integrator company because in military camps, the communications systems vary.
PCI comes into the frame by integrating all these systems and networks to make sure that communications are working properly for use by medical staff, emergency technicians, soldiers, and even construction staff. Regions of conflict often have damaged terrestrial infrastructure so wireless communications modes, often through satellite, is crucial for the success of any military operation.
The reason why Proactive is using teleport services in Australia is due to the geographic advantages of the said country. Australia’s location in the Southern Hemisphere allows for better coverage since it has optimal look angles into both Africa and the Middle East.
Teleport facilities housed in the state of South Australia are located in a remote region which makes them less prone to frequency interference common in stations operating near crowded, urban regions. The remoteness of the state allows the ground stations to connect to a greater number of satellites in the sky. South Australia also enjoys low rainfall and mild weather conditions suited for teleport facilities. No major earthquakes occur in the area too.
At present, more and more companies outside of the defence industry are turning to teleport facilities in Australia because of its geographic advantages. US-based organizations find these ground stations down-under appealing because Australia, as an allied country, shares similar foreign policies as Washington.
In fact, during the Satellite 2012 event, which was held in the US capital, the Australian ambassador to the use recognized the satellite sector down under for distinguishing itself in the global stage. With demand for satellite capacity increasing, operators based in Australia are looking to supply these needs by focusing on innovative technologies, and aggressively launching new infrastructure, including commercial satellites running on the new Ka band spectrum.
The Australian federal government has been keen on underpinning the nation’s strength in satellite technology in restructuring its space policy. Whereas the country has lagged behind Europe and the US in terms of international space activity, it’s looking to refocus efforts with the “Satellite Utilisation Policy”, a legislation supporting the growth of the nation’s satellite industry.
Telecommunications port are crucial to connecting and making the most out of the power of satellite communications. Without these ground stations, the vessels orbiting the earth would be rendered useless with no terrestrial infrastructure to receive the signals and transmit it to end-users. Teleports are so important that most of them have to meet stringent security requirements.
Above left is a photograph of the Adelaide Teleport, while the photograph to the right is that of the Perth teleport. Both facilities in Australia are operated by NewSat, an independent satellite communications specialist.
Fred Hochberg, the chairman of the US credit agency Ex-Im Bank, recently visited the Australian satellite company NewSat’s Perth teleport facility in Western Australia. The visit to what the World Teleport Association considered as one of the top 3 facilities in the world, solidified the support of Mr. Hochberg for NewSat, after the satellite company secured a loan from the agency to fund its Jabiru Satellite Program.
Aside from telecommunications ports, NewSat also offers services such a mobile backhaul, VSAT, and video and data conferencing.
About NewSat–Teleports and Jabiru
NewSat limited (ASX: NWT) is Australia’s largest specialist satellite communications company. It delivers Internet, voice, data and video communications via satellite, providing a full range of managed satellite communication services. They have established a reputation as the partner of choice for governments, corporations and private enterprises with the use of its unique-to-Australia Teleport infrastructure.
NewSat currently has the ability to provide coverage to 75% of the globe, ranging from Australia to Asia to the Middle East, to Africa and across the Indian Ocean, up to Europe and the Pacific Ocean, the East Coast of the United States of America.
The company’s world acclaimed Teleports in Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) were Finalists (Top 3) in the 2010 and 2012’ “Awards for Excellence” of the World Teleport Association, and made the 2011 “Top Operator Rankings.” The two Teleports are also accredited to supply services to the Australian Department of Defense (DRSS) and are recognized as highly secure Global Access Points, supporting certified classified networks to ensure the transmission of vital and sensitive information for government clients.
They will be expanding their satellite capabilities through the Jabiru Satellite Program, beginning with the launch and operation of Jabiru-1, a large Ka band next generation satellite, the continent’s first independently owned commercial satellite, providing superior coverage over Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, or the MENA Region. Jabiru-2, on the other hand, also planned to be launched on 2012, will deliver enhanced coverage in and around Australia.
NewSat has rights to eight premium orbital slots and its fleet of next generation geostationary satellites that will lead Australia’s space quest.
