Viasat, Inc., a prominent figure in satellite communications, has announced a significant award from Geoscience Australia (GA) and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). The company has secured a substantial $252 million AUD award to bolster the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN), further extending Viasat’s pivotal role in this critical infrastructure project.
SouthPAN, an advanced satellite-based augmentation system developed collaboratively by New Zeeland and Australia, is designed to provide precise positioning and navigation services across various sectors, such as aviation, maritime, agriculture, and emergency response.
The network is a boon for growing sectors in agriculture, enhancing productivity through technologies like precision spraying, yield mapping, and controlled traffic farming. Its utility extends to improving safety on mine and construction sites via sophisticated geo-fencing technologies that ensure accurate tracking of personnel operating vehicles and machinery.
This milestone marks the second critical engagement for Viasat with SouthPAN. Originally, Inmarsat, now integrated with Viasat, was awarded an inaugural contract in May 2023 to deliver a satellite payload for the system. This latest extension solidifies the ongoing partnership under the Viasat Communication Services segment, ensuring continuous service from existing orbital satellites and facilitating new payloads.
According to Melissa Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia, “This agreement secures a reliable satellite service and ground infrastructure, delivering precise positioning across Australia and its maritime zones – enabling industries to innovate where accuracy is critical. From farms to freight, users will be able to access free services that are accurate and timely.”
Echoing the sentiment, Todd McDonell, President of Viasat International Government, expressed enthusiasm about Viasat's deepening role with SouthPAN. He acknowledged its regional importance, citing that the system boasts extraordinary potential to enhance safety, productivity, and future transport systems through precision tracking.
Since 2022, Geoscience Australia, in conjunction with Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, has made early services available, reflecting the ongoing commitment to advance positioning and navigation capabilities across the partnering countries.
