Pivotel in orbit

OCT 2010

SATELLITE communications provider Pivotel has signed a three-year deal to deliver services to more than 30 Northern Territory Government departments.

The exclusive supply contract will be worth at least $1 million a year and complements existing deals with other state’s including a $372,000 upgrade by the NSW Ambulance Service announced in July.

Working with efficient and reliable satellite devices is critically important to The Northern Territory Government due to the high levels of work undertaken in remote areas away from cellular coverage.

Managing director Peter Bolger, says Pivotel won the contract based on the performance of its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems.

“State governments that are required to do a lot of work in regional areas need access to the best satellite communication technology available,” he says.

“The Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales are all heavy users of mobile satellite services.”

Pivotel’s LEO satellite service and equipment provides sustainable and effective satellite communications across the country.

“Communications satellites are generally split into two categories, Geo (geostationary orbit) and LEO systems,” explains Bolger.

“Geo satellites operate on a fixed orbit at an altitude of around 36,000km.

“They are effective at delivering cable television like Austar but when used for mobile phone services have issues with time latency.

“You see this on television often when there is a second or two time difference during interviews.

“Pivotel uses LEO satellite constellations that orbit at around 1000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface.

“As a result communications signals are bounced back and forth far more quickly and the service provided to customers is just like a normal mobile telephone service.

“Clients use a regular mobile phone number, receive normal phone bills comparable with standard mobile telephone rates and have access to more than 100 dealers across the country for specialised technical support.”

Pivotel turned over around $30 million in revenue for FY10 and is forecasting 50 per cent growth over the next 12 months. Its diverse client base ranges from Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to ‘grey nomad’ caravan travellers.