Ipstar to beam broadband to farmers

A company co-founded by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is behind the latest broadband solution for farmers.

Ipstar (New Zealand), a subsidiary of Thai satellite operator Shin Satellite, has launched a satellite service to bring higher levels of bandwidth to rural and remote areas of New Zealand.
Dumrong Kasemset, Ipstar's chairman, said New Zealand was one of the earliest recipients of true satellite broadband using Asia's most advanced satellite technology.

"It represents a huge leap in capability for the delivery of true broadband to regional and remote areas," he said.

The US$350 million ($511 million) Ipstar - the largest commercial satellite ever launched - can provide speeds up to four megabits a second for individuals.

It was launched into space in August and the service is being operated in New Zealand through a gateway constructed in Auckland.

Two of the local resellers will be Auckland-based Iconz and rural provider Bay City.

Iconz is providing the services as part of the Government's Project Probe contract to provide satellite internet services to schools countrywide, in the hope that businesses and private users will also pick up on the technology once it is available in country areas.

Satellites usually carry at least two on-board processors but Shin says that on Ipstar many of these functions will be managed from the ground.

Kasemset said Ipstar would deliver a range of services, from voice-over-internet phone services to applications such as internet access at competitive prices.

 

It's a whopper

* The Ipstar, which cost $511 million, is one of the largest telecommunications satellites to be launched.

* It has a lift-off mass of six tonnes.

* Satellites normally carry at least two on-board processors but on Ipstar many of these functions will be managed from the ground.

* That will free up space and power on the satellite.

* It also uses narrower beams than traditional satellites, making coverage more efficient.

- NZPA