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Optus and Telstra in separate moves to improve bush services
2 May 2002
Optus has signed a deal with Satteline Communications that will allow it to roll out broadband voice and data services to remote and regional Australia, using satellite technology. Satteline's MD Asci Ashkenazi says this will be the only commercial satellite-based system operating in Australia offering true two-way video conferencing. A pilot program has been operating in the South Australian town of Port Lincoln for some time, providing Internet and other broadband facilities. The technology is also suited to the provision of distance-learning and health-care services. Optus says it plans to take the technology nationwide.
In other communications news, Telstra has signed up as a service partner for Iridium Satellite, the owner and operator of a global wireless communications system. The deal enables Telstra to retail Iridium services throughout Australia, particularly to remote and rural locations, offering an affordable solution to people who live and work outside the reach of mobile phones or without land lines. Iridium's CEO, Gino Picasso, says that Australia has unique attributes due to its vast remote regions, making satellite communication an indispensable part of life.
The Age, 2/05/2002, page B2.
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