The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has announced that NBN Co has signed a contract for the launch of two next-generation satellites to deliver high-speed broadband to Australians living in rural and remote areas.

“The contract is the final step needed to ensure that the NBN’s long-term satellite service is available to people living in rural and remote Australia from mid-2015,” Senator Conroy says.

Senator Conroy was joined at the announcement by the French Minister Delegate for Small and Medium Enterprises, Innovation and the Digital Economy, Fleur Pellerin.

“The contract was awarded to European consortium, Arianespace, after an extensive procurement process. Arianespace has an impressive track record in launching satellites, completing 53 successful launches in a row,” Senator Conroy says.

“Once launched, NBN Co’s two next generation satellites will deliver fast, reliable and affordable broadband speeds of 25mbps download and 5mbps upload.

“This will give Australians in rural and remote areas access to broadband that is superior to what people living in the cities can get through the ageing copper network today.

“The two satellites will be launched separately in 2015 from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.

“There are already more than 25,000 homes and businesses across rural and remote Australia that use the NBN’s interim satellite service, demonstrating the demand for high-speed broadband services in the bush.

“The NBN is being rolled out for all Australians, delivering high-speed broadband through fibre to the home, fixed wireless or satellite.”