Vocus : develops leading expertise in business nbn Satellite Service

Vocus, Australia's specialist fibre and network solutions provider, has positioned itself as the leading expert in business nbn Satellite Services, after winning a record number of orders in February, and introducing private layer three connections into existing corporate wide area networks.

The achievement is another strong sign of the growth Vocus is achieving in network solutions to enterprise and government customers in regional, rural and remote Australia, and follows nbn's announcement about major pricing changes to its business nbn Satellite Services last week.

Vocus was among the first telcos to start selling internet solutions on business nbn Satellite Service, following a successful trial with heavy rare earths business, Northern Minerals, at its Browns Range project in the north of Western Australian.

Sixteen months later, Vocus has developed leading capabilities in satellite access technology-a key factor in it recently winning a deal for 25 sites with a major utilities business.

The introduction of layer three connections to private corporate networks for customers across the country has been an important addition to Vocus' satellite solutions, as it enables greater security and resiliency, as well as unmetered data for customers.

Vocus Chief Executive, Enterprise & Government, Andrew Wildblood, said Vocus' experience as a national network builder and operator, with a strong presence in regional and remote Australia, gave it a clear view of the valuable role of satellite services.

'The availability, capacity and performance of satellite connectivity has come a long way in a relatively short space of time,' Mr Wildblood said.

'Through the early trials we completed, the work we've conducted with customers, and the investment we've made to develop layer three solutions, satellite is now a key part of the network solutions we offer.

'As a result, we've built strong momentum and are now working with organisations across federal and state government, as well as the mining, utilities and healthcare industries, on satellite opportunities with nbn.'

Mr Wildblood said nbn's recent pricing changes to its business satellite service was positive news for customers in regional and remote areas.

'Making business nbn Satellite Services more accessible and affordable is great news for customers. Connectivity today is the great enabler for business growth and for the economy, and given the demand we're seeing in the market, we expect the changes nbn has announced to have an immediate impact,' Mr Wildblood said.

Photo: nbn co satellite ground station at Kalgoorlie (courtesy of nbn co)