New satellite broadband service for bush

Stan Beer
Thursday, 17 November 2005 11:00

IT Industry - Strategy

IPSTAR Australia, a subsidiary of Thailand's Shin Satellite Plc, has launched a satellite broadband service targeted at regional and rural dwellers, offering speeds of up to 4 megabits per second.

IPSTAR chairman, Dr Dumrong Kasemset said Australia is one of the earliest recipients of true satellite broadband using technology developed by Thailand’s Shin Satellite.

“This represents a massive leap in capability for the delivery of true broadband to regional and remote areas,” Dr Kasemset said. “The IPSTAR satellite, which is the largest commercial satellite ever launched, can provide speeds of up to 4 megabits per second for individual users, if required.”

The IPSTAR satellite was launched in August, and the service is being operated in Australia through gateways constructed in Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie.

Dr Kasemset said IPSTAR would deliver a range of services, from VoIP to applications such as internet access and video conferencing, at very competitive prices.

“The scale and capability of IPSTAR will significantly lower the financial burden on broadband service providers supplying remote areas, allowing them to develop an offering similar to those in metropolitan areas,” Dr Kasemset said.

IPSTAR Australia’s General Manager, Mr Komson Seripapong, said broadband demand is growing steadily in Australia, and the new service will ensure regional and remote Australia are not left behind.

“IPSTAR will provide a massive boost in capability for regional communications, which represents goods news not only for individual users but also schools and medical facilities located in more remote areas, which currently cannot access true broadband capability,” Mr Seripapong said.

Mr Seripapong said IPSTAR would operate as a wholesale service, and was currently holding discussions with a range of potential service providers.