Defence extends Optus satellite contract

Optus has extended its contact with the Department of Defence for the C1 satellite by four years, at a value of $19.5 million.

Optus and Defence jointly launched the $500 million C1 satellite in 2003 in French Guiana, in order to provide communications to both Defence and commercial users in regional areas of Australia as well as the Asia Pacific.

The satellite has an expected 15-year lifespan and is managed from Optus’ Sydney-based satellite earth station. It is the telco’s fourth satellite.

Under the contract extension, Optus will continue to provide managed services for the satellite until 2018. Optus will also provide satellite support services for Defence’s wider satellite capability.

The C1 satellite sits in orbit at 156 degrees longitude and provides coverage for Australia, New Zealand and East Asia via 24 Ku band transponders for commercial users, and 4 Ka band transponders, 4 X band transponders, and 6 UHF transponders for Defence.