“Broadband services” is the term which encompasses a variety of high-speed telecommunications services based upon a number of technologies, such as DSL, cable modem, or any number of wireless technologies. Certain of these services are provided via satellite, such as the DirecWay service offered by Hughes Network Systems and DirecTV. Broadband can deliver a number of specific products, including high-speed Web access, streaming video, television and movie content, audio services and music, among others.

Today, broadband satellite services are provided using satellites operating in the Ku-band frequencies, often delivered via a small 1.2m to 3m dish on the ground, known as a “very small aperture terminal,” of “VSAT” connection. A number of satellite firms, such as Wild Blue, and Hughes Spaceway, are working to launch a new class of satellite-based system, operating at the Ka-band frequencies. These systems are designed to offer a number of advantages over Ku-band-based systems, including greater data through-put, and the use of sub-meter-sized VSAT equipment.

One such approach to Ka-band broadband services has been developed by the Miraxis organization. Miraxis, LLC, is a spin-off of the Atlanta-based EMS Technologies, Inc., a company specializing in satellite and wireless communications development. Today, Miraxis is controlled by Argos Foundation contributor SkyTerra Communications, Inc. In August 2004, AFI merged with and assumed control over the Miraxis Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit foundation established by the Miraxis organization several years ago. With that merger, AFI expanded its charter from a focus upon Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), into the larger realm of satellite-based and satellite-delivered service in a larger context. This includes satellite-delivered education, remote sensing information (including, for example, space oceanography), and satellite television.

In association with AFI contributors and partners SkyTerra, Hughes Network Systems, and Miraxis, the Foundation is engaged in a number of studies associated with the use of satellite-enabled broadband services. Among these is participation in a study involving the use of Ka-band satellite technology to deliver broadband services in the Asia-Pacific region, working with Miraxis Australasia, Pty Ltd, based in Australia.

Working with a number of corporate participants, AFI is managing this study under contract from MAPL. The purpose of the study is to explore the market within Australia, New Zealand, and the island nations of the South Pacific region. In addition to the commercial uses of such technologies, AFI is particularly interested in exploring the use of the technology in support of educational, Governmental, and humanitarian applications. AFI is engaged in contacting a number potential users and interested parties involved in such applications, in support of the study effort.

The current study is funded by a number of corporate partners, some contributing to AFI, and others providing funding under contract to MAPL, which is based in Queensland, Australia. The current study addresses such issues as:

• Currently available broadband services (terrestrial land-line and wireless services, as well as other satellite-based capabilities)
• Technical and operational concerns for the delivery of satellite-based broadband services throughout the region (led by Auspace, Ltd)
• Commercial products and services of interest to the region, and the size of the market for such services (led by APAC)
• Governmental / educational / humanitarian applications of satellite-delivered broadband services within the region (led by AFI)
• Identification of specific applications, and potential partners interested in implementing Ka-band-based services throughout the region (led by APAC)
• Quantitative analyses, including potential market size, operational approaches, system costs, etc. (led by MAPL)

Study Partners include:

For further information, contact:

MIRAXIS AUSTRALASIA, PTY LTD
Mr. Keith L. Goetsh, C.P.Eng., Chairman
P.O. Box 433
Southport, Queensland 4215
Australia
+61 755.918.918 (telephone)