Optus has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) to manage satellite communication links from Canberra to Australian Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world.
Under the agreement, Optus will provide telecommunications access to 48 sites in 47 different countries for the next three years.
Optus will manage DFAT’s international telecommunications network utilising satellite bandwidth on Intelsat’s global satellite network. Intelsat is a leading global telecommunications provider which operates a fleet of 20 satellites and a complementary terrestrial network around the world. On the ground, Optus will use its own teleporting facilities in Australia and Intelsat’s teleporting facilities in the United States.
“Optus will improve satellite telecommunication links to Australian personnel in diplomatic posts around the world at a cost-effective price,” Warren Hardy, Managing Director, Optus Wholesale & Satellite said.
“Optus has provided a flexible solution which will allow DFAT to make quick changes to service provisioning and increase bandwidth at short notice, as well as provide solid disaster recovery options.
“This agreement is a demonstration of Optus’ innovative approach to providing greater cost effectiveness and network performance to our customers, and reinforces our position as Australia’s leading provider of satellite services,” he said.
