Agreement with 'Optus' company to trial satellite system

The State Government and the satellite division of Optus Communications Pty Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding which will enable a series of trials on the feasibility of using satellite communications for the delivery of Government services to remote areas of Western Australia. 

Services Minister Jim McGinty and the Optus satellite division director Dick Johnson signed the memorandum - which will give the State Government access to a satellite transponder, ground station equipment and technical support. 

Mr McGinty said that under the agreement, Optus would also make available 30 satellite receivers and access to its 'Starnet' service for two sets of trials. 

"Under the first trial, the 30 receivers will be distributed throughout the State to enable a video network to be established - this will allow the provision of both pre-recorded and live interactive programs," Mr McGinty said. 

"This facility will enable a wide range of functions to be tested, including conferences and meetings, staff training sessions, educational activities and other community services." 

In the second series of trials, the scope for interactive data transfer by satellite would be tested. 

Mr Johnson said the Optus 'Starnet' service already offered significant cost savings to corporate users and it was expected that Government departments and other agencies with similar needs in Western Australia would find the same potential benefits. 

"As well as the potential for cost reduction, it is hoped the trials will demonstrate that it is possible to deliver an enhanced range of services to remote and isolated communities," Mr McGinty said. 

"For example, it could be used to provide access to the legal system - perhaps allowing court evidence to be given from a distance." 

Mr Johnson said that as well as the 30 receivers that were to be used in the video trials, there were 35 local government offices and an estimated 2,000 remote private premises throughout Western Australia that already had the satellite reception equipment necessary to receive the service. 

The project, which has been named 'Westlink', will be managed by the State Information Technology division of the Department of State Services. 

"The State Government re-affirmed its commitment to developing information technology products and services in the recent 'WA Advantage' economic statement - with the emphasis, as in the Westlink program, to be placed on interaction between Government and industry," Mr McGinty said.