Ursys partners with ​Optus Satellite for regional services

Optus Satellite has partnered with Ursys for the latter to gain access to Optus' existing satellite capacity, as well as the telco's third-party satellite partners internationally to service Australia's remote and rural regions.

Ursys, based in Sydney, is a designer and provisioner of satellite-based voice and data communications including NT Connect for the Local Government Association of Northern Territory communities; the South Pacific Tsunami Warning Network for the Bureau of Meteorology; and a national satellite based SCADA network for APA Group.

The new partnership will enable Ursys access to Optus' D2 satellite, as well as its teleport facilities in Belrose, Sydney, and wider infrastructure.

Optus Satellite vice president Paul Sheridan said the partnership extends the company's plans to focus on SCADA and unique network industries.

"This exciting new relationship builds on the deep experience of both Ursys and Optus Satellite to meet demands coming from the market for a complete solution, particularly where more than just a simple broadband connection is required," he said.

Optus signed a similar agreement in April with RigNet Australia that plans to utilise the telecommunication provider's satellite capacity to expand its communication services across oil and gas companies in Australia.

Optus' satellite division owns the highest number of satellites covering Australia and New Zealand, with six satellites in orbit providing coverage to the region.

Last November, Optus claimed that its mobile network covers 100 percent of Australia thanks to the launch of its SatSleeve satellite service -- as long as the customer is within line of sight of its satellites.

The Australian government also relies upon Optus' satellite division; the Department of Defence in July extended its contract with Optus for an undisclosed amount through to 2020 for use of their shared C1 satellite.