NEWSAT SIGNS $67 MILLION CONTRACT FOR JABIRU SATELLITE CAPACITY
- Binding pre-launch contract of US$67 million after launch of the satellite
- Contract with a leading Middle Eastern telecommunications provider delivering services across this region
- New contract takes the total of binding pre-launch contracts for Jabiru satellite capacity to US$346 million
- Follows the 8th December announcements of Lockheed Martin to commence satellite construction immediately and Arianespace to launch satellite in 2014
12 December 2011 – NewSat Limited (ASX: NWT; OTC: NWTLY), Australia¡¦s satellite company, announces today the signing of a ten year contract with a leading Middle Eastern telecommunications provider for the purchase of US$67.2 million of Jabiru satellite transmission capacity. The Ka-band satellite capacity purchased will enable the customer to provide high-speed Internet and data services across a range of high demand regions within the Middle East.
For commercial and competitive reasons the customer details cannot be disclosed at this time and remain confidential.
In commenting on the multi-million dollar contract, Adrian Ballintine, NewSat Founder and CEO said:
“We are seeing more and more demand for Ka-band satellite capacity across the Middle East for Internet, voice and data services. Ka-band blends perfectly for this market and our new carrier-grade telecommunications customer sees the delivery of their Internet and data services via Ka-band as a major competitive advantage.”
“It’s a very exciting time for NewSat, as we continue to achieve key milestones in the launch of Jabiru-1, transforming us into a global satellite operator. Our customer contracts now total US$346 million and last week we announced Lockheed Martin as manufacturer of our satellite, which is scheduled for launch in 2014 with Arianespace.”
About NewSat Limited:
NewSat Limited (ASX: NWT; OTC: NWTLY) is Australia’s largest specialist satellite communications company, delivering Internet, voice, data and video communications via satellite. With its unique-to-Australia Teleport infrastructure, NewSat provides a full range of managed satellite communication services and has established a reputation as the partner of choice for governments, corporations and private enterprises. Today, NewSat has the ability to provide coverage to 75% of the globe; from Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, across the Indian Ocean extending into Europe and across the Pacific Ocean, reaching into the West coast of the USA.
NewSat’s world acclaimed Teleports in Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) were finalists in the World Teleport Association’s Awards for Excellence in 2010. Both Teleports are accredited to supply services to the Australian Department of Defence (DRSS) and are recognised as highly secure Global Access Points, supporting certified classified networks to ensure the transmission of vital and sensitive information for government clients.
NewSat will be expanding its satellite capabilities with the Jabiru Satellite Program, beginning with the launch and operation of Jabiru-1, Australia’s first independently owned commercial satellite. Jabiru-1, a large Ka-band next generation satellite, will provide superior coverage over South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Jabiru-2, also scheduled, will deliver enhanced coverage in and around Australia. NewSat has rights to seven premium orbital slots and its fleet of next generation geostationary satellites will lead Australia’s space quest. For more information please visit www.newsat.com
About Jabiru Satellite Program:
Jabiru-1 is NewSat’s first geostationary communications satellite which will provide high-powered satellite capacity to high value customers in the military, defence and government markets as well as other enterprise segments such as resources. NewSat already serves many of these customers from its world recognised Teleport facilities and the vertical integration of owning a satellite will dramatically increase NewSat’s ability to secure large capacity contracts and significantly increase EBITDA margins. NewSat has rights to seven premium orbital slots, which provides significant growth opportunity above and beyond Jabiru-1. All contracts are subject to the successful launch of the satellite and NewSat completing the required credit checks.
For further information:
Investors
Adrian Ballintine, Chief Executive Officer: +61 3 9674 4644
Adam Shapiro, Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary: +61 3 9674 4644
Media
Merv Kuek, VP Marketing: +61 3 9674 4644