Optus announced today that Australia's latest state-of-the-art satellite, Optus D3, was successfully propelled into orbit following an impressive lift-off from French Guiana.
Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said, "What an exciting day for Australia. This morning we witnessed the spectacular rocket launch of Optus' newest satellite, Optus D3.
"Optus launched Australia's first satellite almost 25 years ago and we continue to fly the country's satellite fleet today. As the only Australian telco to own and operate satellites, Optus is the leading provider of satellite services across Australia and New Zealand.
"Satellite makes sense for the nation. Optus satellite reaches all corners of the country delivering subscription television, free-to-air TV, voice, internet and radio services making it an important source of news and entertainment for the entire population.
"Today's launch demonstrates Optus' commitment to keeping Australia and New Zealand at the forefront of satellite technology as we continue to invest in bringing communications capability, such as high definition television, to more households," Mr O'Sullivan said.
The Optus D3 satellite will expand Optus' satellite fleet capacity, provide an in-orbit redundancy capability and marks the first use of the Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) spectrum in Australia. The BSS band will allow Optus’ broadcast customers to increase their delivery of the next generation of digital and high definition television to the home.
Vicki Brady, Optus Wholesale and Satellite Managing Director said, "Our successful launch this morning represents the next advance into space by Australians as well as being an exciting milestone for Optus Satellite. This new satellite will increase Optus' fleet capacity by more than 30 per cent.
"Optus is proud to carry the majority of the country's satellite TV and radio services so this increased capacity will not only provide new business opportunities for us, it will also allow our free-to-air television and subscription television customers to provide new and advanced digital services to their customers across Australia and New Zealand.
"We have long term relationships with our satellite customers, some with us from day one of Optus, and the business continues to grow. Satellite is a long term investment and our customers see the benefit and value of that investment for the future," Ms Brady said.
Kim Williams AM, Chief Executive, FOXTEL said, "FOXTEL is delighted Optus' D3 satellite has successfully launched. Once successful testing is complete over the coming months, the new satellite will empower us to offer our customers even more choice, new services, increased flexibility and even greater value.
"The next generation of FOXTEL digital will offer customers 30 additional channels, including 10 additional HD channels, enhanced navigation features, and significantly more interactive and on-demand features," Mr Williams added.
The Optus D3 Satellite will increase Optus' total satellite capacity, support existing customers including FOXTEL and Sky New Zealand and enable the development of new business opportunities for broadcast television and the direct-to-home market.
Media contact:
Siobhan Quinn
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850
Note to Editor: At the date of Australia's first satellite launch (27 August 1985) Optus was known by its former name Aussat.