Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cameron for his ongoing interest in this issue. Earlier today the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and I joined with the Prime Minister in announcing that Space Systems/Loral was successful in winning the tender for the delivery of two next generation Ka band satellites and associated tracking, telemetry and control systems, worth approximately $620 million. They will deliver a step change in performance for satellite users both in speed and reliability compared with existing satellite services.

For the first time these satellites will deliver universal broadband coverage across the entire Australian continent. When completed and launched, NBN Co. will be able to offer a 12 megabit per second download and a one megabit per second upload service at uniform national wholesale prices to everybody. Regardless of where you live, all Australians can be assured that they will benefit from the NBN. Everyone will get it.

Using these satellites will allow remote communities to consult medical specialists anywhere in Australia by videoconference. They will allow students in the bush to draw on content-rich, high-bandwidth digital resources from all around the world, while rural small businesses will now more easily expand into markets nationally and internationally. The Gillard government is determined to invest in regional Australia, and deploying the satellites is another example of the government's commitment to equip the bush. (Time expired)