[Satellite TODAY 03-04-13] The Australian National Broadband Network (NBN) has announced a $300 million deal with Arianespace to procure and launch two rockets carrying its satellites in 2015. NBN’s goal is to ensure that approximately 250,000 households, farm and businesses in remote areas – including overseas territories, such as Christmas Island – get the same broadband speed cities enjoy.

   "Faster speeds will allow people in regional communities to work from home like they would from the office, access video-based health services and make high-quality video calls to family and friends,” NBN CEO Mike Quigley said.

   NBN’s satellites will cost $620 million each, weigh 6.25 tons, and will be linked to 10 $180 million Earth stations, each with 13.5m dishes. A national Australian competition will be open for students to name the satellites.