Optus Satellite and Laser Light partner for an all-optical commercial satellite system

Optus Satellite has partnered up with laser communications company, Laser Light, in creating what they call the “world’s first” commercial laser-based, all-optical satellite system entirely operated using optical spectrum rather than radio frequency.

When operational, the network will function as a seamless communications system, capable of connecting any two points on the globe through its satellite platform, planned 100 Points of Presence (PoP), and Optus’ terrestrial fibre networks.

This new venture enables Optus Satellite to enhance the capability of Laser Light’s all-optical, hybrid global network (nicknamed Halo) using its Australian satellite facilities and terrestrial fibre networks. It also lets Optus offer its customers increased bandwidth by improving data transmission rates.

Aimed to be fully deployed in 2018, Halo combines the reach of satellites with the power of laser optics and is designed to deliver data transmission rates up to 100 times greater than conventional high-frequency satellite systems.

In addition, the collaboration enables a more cost-effective network management between Laser Light’s All-Optical Hybrid Global Network and Optus’ fixed fibre networks and makes Optus a preferred supplier and local distributor of Laser Light’s space-based laser communications service, SpaceCable.

This is because the Halo satellite constellation will consist of eight to 12 medium earth orbit satellites that will connect with terrestrial and undersea fibre networks, providing SpaceCable services to carriers, enterprises, and government customers under carrier-grade, industry standard service level agreements.

According to Optus Satellite vice-president, Paul Sheridan, satellite technology will always have an important role to play in delivering communications to a country the size and breadth of Australia.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in and offers a new solution which will provide complementary services and enable Optus to meet growing demand for high bandwidth dependent applications and services throughout Australia and beyond,” he said.

Laser Light carriers services president, Clifford Beek, claimed that the company’s aim is to work with, not compete, with some of the world’s leading telecommunications companies to provide a mutually-beneficial integrated communications infrastructure.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Optus, and this venture is an important step forward in providing us with complementary terrestrial connectivity across the entirety of Australia,” he added.