Thank you. I’d like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet—the Gadigal people of the Eora nation—and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
I’m pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you today to outline some of our key priorities in managing the radiofrequency spectrum for satellite systems.
The ACMA is the Australian Government agency responsible for regulation of broadcasting, online content, telecommunications and radiocommunications. These industries are critical enablers of global commerce and the exchange of information, and their benefits flow throughout the economy and our broader society. The satellite industry is, of course, an important user of spectrum, providing a diverse and expanding range of communications services that drive progress for our economy, society and knowledge.
Satellite has played a critical role in Australia’s rollout of the National Broadband Network, underpinning greater connectivity than ever before across the Australian land mass. Satellites are also increasingly delivering broadband internet across the skies and oceans to earth stations in motion. The radio silence that has been a hallmark of long-haul journeys is now consigned to the past.
The remarkable convergence of satellite miniaturisation and competitive innovation in the launch industry is enabling the launch of vast low-earth-orbit satellite networks, whose operators aim to bring internet access to the entire planet.
