Satellite systems play a major role in providing diversity for cable circuits, as well as providing direct connection to countries which are otherwise not accessible by submarine cable. 

In Singapore, SingTel has three satellite earth stations providing direct transmissions to over 80 countries.  SingTel also launched its own satellite in August 1998.  The ST-1 satellite, co-owned with Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan, is one of the most powerful satellites in the region with a footprint covering most of Asia up to the borders of Russia.

Besides being an investor in APT Satellite Holdings of Hong Kong with an overall interest of 20.33%, SingTel is also a customer of APT Satellite Company and has six C-Band transponders on APSTAR V.  APSTAR V was launched on 29 June 2004 and operates from 138 degrees East longitude as a replacement satellite to APSTAR I. 

SingTel is also a strategic partner and leading provider of Inmarsat and Iridium satellite services, offering a range of mobile satellite solutions to meet customers varied remote and wireless communications needs.

SingTel’s satellite capabilities were further strengthened with the acquisition of Optus, the leading satellite communications provider in Australia with a satellite footprint covering Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.  The SingTel Group is the largest satellite operator in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), providing access to more than 38 geo-stationary satellites.

Optus Satellites

Optus is a leader and innovator in satellite-based communications services in the Australasia region providing a comprehensive range of advanced digital satellite services. With the largest fleet of domestic satellites in Australia and New Zealand, Optus delivers the majority of satellite services in those countries, including subscription-TV, free-to-air TV, radio, Internet, voice, and data services.

With over 20 years of experience in satellite services, Optus has an unmatched track record in delivering these services to rural and remote areas in Australia. Optus has the expertise and proven capability to effectively meet all domestic and regional business communication needs.

Optus owns and operates five satellites, Optus A3, B1, B3, C1 and D1 satellites with two new satellites,Optus D2 and D3 planned for 2007 and 2009 respectively. Two older satellites (A1 and A2) were retired at the end of their operational lives. Optus’ satellite footprints cover Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Hawaii, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Lord Howe Island, Cocos Island Christmas Island and McMurdo Sound.

Optus A3 Launched in 1987, Optus A3 is equipped with a communications payload of 15 transponders operating in the Ku-band. It is presently operating in inclined orbit.

Optus B1 164ºE The Optus B1 satellite was launched in 1992. It is located at the 164ºE orbital slot in inclined orbit with a footprint covering Australia and New Zealand. Optus B1 carries 16 transponders, 15 of them operating in the Ku-band and the remaining one in the L-band with Ku-band feeder links. Coverage Map

Optus B3 152°E Successfully launched into orbit in 1994, Optus B3 is located at the 152°E orbital slot. It carries the same complement of 16 transponders as Optus B1, providing Australia and New Zealand with Aurora platform closed user group services (business television), ethnic TV services and Optus Business Satellite Services using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology. Coverage Map

Optus C1 156°E In 2003, Optus successfully launched the world's largest hybrid commercial and military communications satellite. Optus C1, in partnership with the Australian Defence Forces.  Optus C1 is the Australian hotbird with twenty four commercial Ku-band transponders operating in beams covering Australia, New Zealand, the nearby offshore islands, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii and South East Asia. Optus C1 carries subscription TV services and Aurora Free-to-Air radio and television services to remote areas in Australia.

Optus D1 160°E Optus D1 was launched in October 2006 and replaces B1 at 160°E. It carries 24 Ku-band transponders designed to provide fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand and specific offshore locations. All direct broadcast services for subscription and free-to-air television to New Zealand are carried on Optus D1 making it the New Zealand hotbird. Coverage Map

Optus D2 152°E Optus D2 is scheduled for launch in late 2007 and will replace Optus B3 at 152°E to provide fixed and broadcasting communcations services. Optus D2 will provide ongoing capacity for ethnic broadcast services and VSAT services plus growth to meet future business demands. Coverage Map

Optus D3 156°E Optus D3 is scheduled for launch in 2009. Optus D3 will be collocated with Optus C1 to provide enhanced capability for the Australian hotbird location delivering direct-to-home services across Australia. Optus D3 will provide capacity for growth to meet business demands and increase the resilience of our satellite network for mission critical applications.