Digital rendering of IPstar satellite. Photo: IPstar

[Via Satellite 07-29-2014] NBN Co has selected Thaicom subsidiary IPstar Australia (IPA) to provide interim satellite capacity for remote and regional areas of Australia and Tasmania. The agency anticipates the service will connect as many as 9,000 locations, easing the demand from customers until the NBN Co Satellite Support (NSS) Scheme is implemented in 2015.

Currently, the NSS Scheme provides 4 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed. IPA will work with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia to deliver broadband services and is expected to support a minimum download speed of 2.6 Mbps for 20.4 hours a day.

NBN Co is limiting applicants to the NSS Scheme to those who have not received service through the Australian Broadband Guarantee (ABG) or the Interim Satellite Service (ISS). The NSS Scheme is only available to those without a means of accessing commercial broadband service.