Optus invests in a third D-series satellite for Australia

[Analoguesat]

Australian telecommunications provider Optus has announced an expansion of its satellite fleet providing services to Australia and New Zealand by launching the third D-series satellite. The new satellite will increase Optus’ fleet capacity by more than 30 percent. “The decision to build a third D-series satellite follows continued demand for access, especially for television broadcast services, with icon companies such as FOXTEL signing up for additional services on the new Optus D3 satellite,” said Chief Executive Paul O’Sullivan.

Kim Williams, FOXTEL Chief Executive, said that as the customer demand for FOXTEL services continues to grow, this deal with Optus will provide the platform for subscription television services in Australia for the next decade and beyond.

Orbital Sciences Corporation of the United States , the manufacturer of the Optus D1 and D2 satellites, was confirmed as the manufacturer of the Optus D3 satellite. The satellite is planned to be delivered in 2009. The new satellite will increase Optus’ overall investment in the D-series satellite program to over A$600 million.

(Source: Optus)