Communications Alliance chief executive John Stanton welcomed the formation of the group, which reflects in part the important satellite component of the National Broadband Network (NBN) plan. The foundation members of the group include many of Australia’s leading satellite services players, including Optus Satellite, NBN Co, Telstra, Newsat, Intelsat, Thales, APN, Indigo Telecom, SES New Skies and Coutts Communications.

The Working Group will focus on a range of activities, including:

Policy development and advocacy on behalf of the satellite sector at the wholesale and retail layers, including via input to State and Federal Government policy fora and Inquiries.

Promotion of the role and importance of satellite services.

Liaison with NBN Co on operational issues relating to the satellite-based components of the National Broadband Network.

Expert input into the creation or revision of Communications Alliance Codes, Guidelines and Standards that have implications for satellite-based services.

Collaborative activities to foster the development and growth of the satellite sector in Australia and to resolve technical or commercial issues of common interest.

Monitoring of international standards work relevant to the Australian satellite sector.

“Satellite services have played an important role in conquering Australia’s communications challenges since the early 1970s and will become an even more important element of our connectivity matrix as the NBN moves from its interim satellite solution to a Ka-band based service for many parts of rural and remote Australia,” John says.

The Working Group will collaborate with the Satellite Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) and liaise closely with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which is responsible for international space coordination activities on behalf of Australia.