The possibility of using low earth orbit satellites, or LEOsats, to increase local telecommunications coverage is being investigated by the government.
The Department of Communications has been given the task of creating a “low earth orbit working group, to help inform government about how this emerging capability might play a role in future telecommunications policy,” said Michelle Rowland, minister of communications, in her 2022 Charles Todd oration.
Rowland cited Apple’s recent delivery of text via LEOsats as an illustration of how “these quick innovations are delivering options and a step shift in internet capability to businesses and households in regional and rural Australia.”
As part of a thorough research, development, and testing process, NBN Co collaborated with their technology providers to confirm that reducing the RACH sequence will enable the signal to be recognised on the network at larger distances.
This made it possible to expand the coverage area to 29 kilometres.
Rowland said that “miniaturised lens antennae” from NBN Co boost a tower’s capacity to service cells by a factor of three to five.
Rowland reaffirmed the government’s commitment to have NBN Co. provide broadband services for up to 30,000 homes who do not already have a connection.