NewSat, a satellite broadband provider, is one of Australia’s main suppliers of high-speed broadband to the nation’s mining and pipeline communities. NewSat’s services include provision of direct hub connections via fibre; broadband IP; dedicated single channel per carrier (SCPC) links; and full physical and network security via an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and generators, all of which are supported by a 24/7 networks operation centre.

NewSat’s parent company, ASX-listed communications firm Multiemedia, also recently finalised the $A13 million acquisition of New Skies Network (NSN) from Netherlands headquartered New Skies Satellites BV.

The acquisition has made Multiemedia one of the largest media port operators and satellite service operators in the southern hemisphere. Multiemedia has taken ownership of two modern media port facilities in Adelaide and Perth, which are set upon three acres and one-and-a-half acres of land respectively.

These media ports act as a gateway between the satellites and the earth to broadcast video, voice and data and enable Multiemedia’s NewSat division to provide satellite coverage to 75 per cent of the world’s population including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The media ports, which are now known as NewSat Networks and operate as a division of NewSat, have allowed the company to extend its reach into the oil, gas and mining sectors, by providing better coverage, particularly those with international operations. NewSat also allows pipeline businesses access to multiple satellites in the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions.

NewSat Networks and NewSat are also working together to enhance the delivery of high-speed two-way satellite broadband to businesses and homes in regional and remote parts of Australia and other parts of the world.

According to Multiemedia CEO Adrian Ballantine satellite technology is the future of general communications, entertainment, education and health services particularly in regional and remote parts of the world where traditional cable copper fibre networks are not appropriate.

“We expect to see greater up-take of our services in the mining, oil and gas industry as the market realises satellite communication has matured and is now an extremely affordable and effective option,” Mr Ballantine said.

NewSat’s drive to become industry leaders in providing communications for the commodities sector has generated a pleasing level of response.

The company recently released its NewSat Communications Trailer, which is designed specifically for companies in the mining and pipeline sector. It is an innovative communications system, which consists of a fully portable device with a NewSat satellite mounted onto a trailer.

It is ideal for companies in the exploration sector as the satellite is easily transported, can be used both on and offshore and can be erected in less than 20 minutes.

NewSat’s Communications Trailers are already being used in South Australia, in Queensland’s gas fields and in mining areas of Western Australia by companies such as Origin Energy and Damstra Mining Services (DMS).

Coal mining services provider, DMS, used the device to assist with its IT requirements on various sites in Australia. Christian Damstra, General Manager of DMS said the satellite solved their problem of transferring data from remote locations to other sites. “Having a portable communications system has been a major asset for our business,” he said.

The robust trailers can be towed to site and stationed using a support stabiliser, allowing the tow vehicle to be used elsewhere. Once positioned, the satellite provides access to fast and reliable data transfer useful for surveyors sending site video data and exploration companies sending core sample data between sites.

Satellite broadband enables high speed web browsing, video conferencing and email which not only aids communication between sites and offices but also allows workers in isolated areas to maintain contact with their families.

Voice over Internet Protocol telephony (VoIP) is also available. VoIP reduces high satellite call costs by enabling phone calls to be made over the internet. VoIP telephony can provide substantial cost savings for companies in isolated regions as calls between sites and corporate offices are free of charge across the same network.

Other products that NewSat provide include video conferencing, which offers an efficient means of communication, collaboration and decision-making without the need for time-consuming and costly travel, and multicasting, a major driver of satellite technology that allows organisations to deliver content from a single location to virtually unlimited numbers of end-user locations, all at the same time.

NewSat is also delivering satellite communications to regional and remote parts of Australia as part of the Government’s HiBIS scheme, which is putting this technology in reach of people and businesses at a subsidised price.

NewSat can provide a flexible communications solution to suit individual businesses. For more information contact Ron Miller on 1300 306 119 or visit www.newsat.com.au.