Regional businesses will receive enhanced broadband delivered over NBN Co Limited‘s Sky Muster satellites, under a 10-year deal signed between nbn and Speedcast, a global remote communication and IT solutions company.

The deal will see wholesale business and enterprise-grade products delivered via nbn’s second satellite, using dedicated capacity to ensure residential users are not impacted. Minister for Regional Communications Bridget McKenzie said the new commercial partnership is a great step forward for drawing on and enhancing the capabilities of the next-generation satellite network.

Minister McKenzie believes the partnership is a good opportunity for improving the capabilities of next generation satellite network. “The Sky Muster service is a world-class platform that is already providing over 84,000 Australians in regional areas with faster, more reliable broadband services.”

“The partnership announced today will see this service strengthened with products specifically designed for regional businesses.” The deal will mean businesses in regional and remote areas benefit from the enhanced support and targeted product offerings, she said. “Regional small businesses are the lifeblood of communities across Australia and together they make our economy strong. These enterprise-grade services will enable businesses access to 21st Century communications, so they can participate fully in the digital economy and connect globally.”

“There are many success stories for small businesses taking up the Sky Muster Service, like Birdsnest in Cooma. Jane Kay launched an online store in 2009 which now employs more than 100 locals in peak periods. Its annual net turnover of about $20 million after returns makes it one of the biggest businesses in town,” Ms McKenzie said.

“The 2016 Regional Online Heroes Winner AgData, based in Toowoomba, was established on a family property in the 1984. AgData creates digital solutions for Aussie farmers – providing tools, data and knowledge to help business owners make more informed decisions and improve productivity. They now employ 20 staff and serve 22,000 customers.”

nbn and Speedcast will collaborate on the development of the business and enterprise grade products which are expected to be available by early 2019. More information on nbn’s satellite service and its product development roadmap is available on the nbn website.

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