High-speed satellite put on hold

By RICHARD WOOD

Dutch satellite operator New Skies Satellites has put off a move to supply high-speed two-way data services up to 2Mbps into New Zealand.

The firm said in late May that its 803 satellite would be drifted into position and operational by late August, claiming it was just in time to meet demand for rural internet.

However, Alan Marsden, Sydney marketing manager for subsidiary New Skies Networks, has confirmed that plans for 803 are up in the air.

He said the satellite had been released from duties over the Atlantic but no decision had been made as to where it would now be used.

The original plan was to replace the older 513 satellite, which has about two years' life left. The 803 has a spot beam capability that the company has said is suitable for high-speed internet.

Marsden said the ultimate destination of 803 was always subject to market at that time and a decision would be made "in the near term".