Introducing Satellite Broadband
Satellite broadband, a reliable, cost effective option for all New Zealanders.
Broadband via satellite has always suffered from a high associated cost compared to other systems available. With the launch of the IPSTAR-1 satellite and associated technology, satellite broadband capacity and efficiency has increased dramatically and the cost of service has decreased significantly compared to that provided by conventional satellites. This has enabled voice, video and data services to be cost effectively delivered to locations previously unable to receive services other than dial-up.
IPSTAR-1 is the first of a new generation of broadband satellites that act both as an Internet backbone connection to fibre-optic cables for ISPs and as a last-mile broadband Internet service to residential, commercial and wholesale customers, competing directly with ADSL and wireless infrastructure.
The IPSTAR-1 satellite is one of the largest communications satellites ever built, with a massive bandwidth capacity of 45 Gbps, almost equivalent to all other satellites serving Asia today.
IPSTAR communications are delivered via a gateway earth station (located in Auckland) that communicates over the IPSTAR-1 satellite to provide broadband packet-switched communications to any of the terrestrial ISP links.
IPSTAR Coverage in New Zealand
IPSTAR-1 is a regional satellite system, whose beams cover 22 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific Rim, with Ku-Band (84 Spot Beams, 3 Shaped Beams, and 7 Regional Broadcast Beams) and Ka-Band (18 Feeder Beams & Gateways).
Data Transfer Rates & Capacity
IPSTAR coverage of New Zealand consists of 3 spot beams providing 0.8Gbps of upload and download bandwidth. In addition to this a broadcast beam delivers additional bandwidth for satellite based digital TV services.
End User Requirements
To receive IPSTAR services, certain terminal equipment must be installed at customer locations. This includes an outdoor unit (ODU) that consists of an optimised 84cm satellite dish and an indoor unit (IDU) consisting of a high performance satellite modem. Aside from professional installation and alignment no other products or services are needed.
