A Bayswater satellite facility launched by global satellite technology and communications services operator, NewSat Ltd, is being pitched as a communications solution to the numerous WA-based mining companies with operations in Africa.
A Bayswater satellite facility launched by global satellite technology and communications services operator, NewSat Ltd, is being pitched as a communications solution to the numerous Western Australian-based mining companies with operations in Africa.
The C-brand antenna facilitates communication with the Apstar IIR satellite, which is located in the Indian Ocean region 34,000 kilometres above the equator.
NewSat chairman John Walker said the company could now provide opportunities to deliver two-way broadband internet connection to a wide area of the earth’s surface, including Australia, the Middle East and in particular Africa.
“In this respect, it will be of great benefit specifically to Australian mining and resource companies,” he said.
Mr Walker said resources companies relied heavily on communications for their workers as well as their corporate livelihoods wherever they may be exploring, whether it was outback Australia or Africa’s difficult terrain.
NewSat general manager of sales, Mike Kenneally, said the implementation of the new dish was primarily focused on the growth in Australian mining companies with projects based in central and southern Africa.
“We have placed a major investment in infrastructure in Perth,” he said. “Our message is a commitment to the resources sector and that’s our target.”
NewSat had just one antenna 10 years ago, and currently has 10 antennas at its Bayswater teleport. These, along with antennas at its Adelaide teleport, communicate with 11 satellites worth approximately $1 billion.
“Already we have secured five new contracts for the service provided by the antenna to Apstar IIR,” Mr Kenneally said.
“Core client ITC Global, a Florida-based telco offering global telecommunication solutions to mid-sized multinationals, was the first NewSat client to take advantage of the new dish.
“We expect many other companies and organisations, both end users as well as mid-range telcos, seeking to manage and track their internet telecommunications into Africa to use this new facility too,” Mr Kenneally said
He said the company might also look towards putting in another hub to target the North West Shelf.
Western Australia’s booming resources sector has also prompted the company to open a sales office at its Bayswater teleport.
According to NewSat WA senior account manager Andrew Rose, users demand the ability to be able to access communications services in all locations around the globe.
“It is expected as a given in this day and age,” Mr Rose said.
He said the benefit of a connection via satellite compared to fibre cable was the issue of distance and the cost of laying fibre to the mine site, which was irrelevant with satellite technology.
NewSat has also created mobile satellite broadband communications and voice over internet protocol telephony for isolated mine sites.
The satellite antenna, which can be attached to any vehicle or mobile office or as an off road trailer, has already received considerable interest from mining companies.
NewSat also has offices located in Sydney, Adelaide, Newcastle and Dubai, with its head office in Melbourne.
The company operates a range of satellite managed communication services including telemetry, tracking and control and carrier monitoring from its Perth and Adelaide teleports for commercial and government customers.
NewSat changed its name from Multiemedia Ltd in October with the new name reflecting the businesses sole focus on satellite communications.
