The project will support O3b mPower, SES's next-generation non-geostationary (NGSO) constellation, to provide high-performance and low-latency connectivity services across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The constellation has terabit-level capacity, allowing the delivery of multiple gigabits-per-second data services to customers.
This, the companies say, will provide "fibre-like connectivity" to remote and underserved regions across Australia and the Pacific islands.
|
The new ground station should be in operation by the second half of 2021.
Pivotel has hosted an O3b gateway since 2013. It has been used to deliver connectivity services to communities and the regional government entities of countries such as Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Federated States of Micronesia, enabling the roll-out of low latency 4G/4G+ networks via satellite.
The technology also serves remote mine locations.
"Pivotel and SES have enjoyed a long-standing relationship that stems back to the initial days of O3b services. With such an important and powerful project, SES is thrilled to be continuing this partnership with Pivotel," said SES director for APAC John Turnbull.
"Working to integrate leading technology from both businesses, we have captured the key elements of high-performance connectivity that can truly benefit everyone in the region regardless of how remote they may be."
Pivotel CEO Peter Bolger said "We're proud to partner with SES to deliver a new satellite ground station in Dubbo that offers an incredible number of new opportunities for regional and remote communications across the country and Pacific region.
The extremely high cost of deploying fibre links to remote communities means satellite is often the only choice, but it has come at the cost of lower download speeds and higher latency. SES's O3b mPower's fibre-like performance largely overcomes those trade-offs, offering the potential of city-like connectivity to remote and isolated communities everywhere.
"Once launched in 2021, the unique next-generation MEO constellation will be capable of delivering desperately needed back haul connectivity, and with the right support, has the power to deliver city-like data services to thousands of users across regional Australia including schools, community and health centres, as well as providing a vital point of connectivity for emergency and disaster first responders."
National and local politicians welcomed the announcement.
"The announcement of this new satellite ground station is fantastic news not only for the local community and economy, but for regional Australia. The role that satellite technology can play in providing improved health, education and community welfare services cannot be over-estimated," said Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton.
"I am delighted Pivotel and SES have chosen Dubbo to host a new satellite ground station. Dubbo understands the importance of good telecommunications options for regional and remote communities so when technology like this comes along, we will definitely support it," said Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields.