Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am happy to report that, as of 1 July, NBN Co.'s interim satellite solution came into operation and will be available until the long-term satellite solution becomes ready for launch in 2015. The new interim satellite service will deliver substantial speed and performance improve­ments over current satellite services and replaces the Australian Broadband Guaran­tee, providing access to affordable broadband to those who need it most. The ISS has been designed by NBN Co. for residents and small businesses in rural and remote Australia, who cannot currently access broadband services comparable to those available in metropolitan areas. This new service is being launched in a ramp-up phase until November, during the transition period from the ABG, after which up to 1,000 new connections per month are expected.