Senior Managing Director of Laser Light, Robert Brumley. Photo: Laser Light

[Via Satellite 04-07-2015] Australia-based Optus Satellite has teamed up with the U.K.’s Laser Light Global to incorporate the operator’s satellite facilities and terrestrial fiber into Laser Light’s All Optical Hybrid Global Network, known as “Halo.” Optus will be a preferred supplier and local distributor of Laser Light’s SpaceCable space-based laser communications service.

Laser Light is building a satellite network that operates completely via optical spectrum instead of radio frequency. The company plans a constellation of eight to 12 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), combined with 100 Points of Presence (PoP) and Optus’ terrestrial fiber networks. Full deployment of the Halo network is expected in 2018.

“Our aim is to work with — not compete with — the world’s leading telecommunications companies to provide a mutually-beneficial integrated communications infrastructure,” said Clifford Beek, Laser Light’s president of carriers services, adding that the new venture is an important step for the company to provide complementary terrestrial connectivity across Australia. Optus Satellite also expects to offer increased bandwidth for its customers.