1980s |
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1980 |
The National Satellite System group formed within the Overseas Telecommunications Commission to establish Australia's national satellite system. |
1981 |
The Australian Government forms AUSSAT, a government owned company to own and operate the national satellite system.
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1985 |
Australia's first two satellites are launched (A1 in August and A2 in November) and domestic satellite services commence in Australia; particularly remote & rural TV broadcasting.
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1987 |
AUSSAT A3 launched in September to meet the ever-growing demand for satellite services in Australia. A3 adds South West Pacific services including New Zealand coverage.
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1990s |
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1992 |
Optus acquired AUSSAT and became Australia's first privately owned communications carrier, a consortium which included Cable & Wireless. Cable & Wireless Optus launched B1 in August. |
1994 |
Optus B3 launched in August and placed into a storage orbit. Optus MobileSat Service launched in August. The world's first land mobile satellite telephone service.
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1995 |
Optus B3 commissioned and first Australian pay-TV services commence via satellite.
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1998 |
Cable & Wireless Optus launched Aurora services and established B3 as Australia's hotbird. Optus B1 confirmed as New Zealand's hotbird.
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2000s |
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2001 |
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) completed the acquisition of Cable & Wireless Optus Limited. SingTel now holds 100 per cent of the ordinary shares in Optus. |
2003 |
Optus launched in June the world's largest and most complex hybrid commercial and military communications satellite, Optus C1, together with the Australian Defence Force. | |
2006 |
Optus launched its 7th satellite, Optus D1. | |
2007 |
Optus launched its 8th satellite, Optus D2. | |
2009 |
Optus launched its 9th satellite, Optus D3. | |
2014 |
Optus launched its 10th satellite, Optus-10. |