New Zealand satellite opportunities

As a member of the International Telecommunications Union, New Zealand has the ability to file applications for new satellites and is guaranteed certain frequency allotments. There is potential for commercial entities to work with the Government to develop new satellite infrastructure through satellite filings or utilisation of allotments.

In November 2004 then Associate Communications Minister David Cunliffe announced an allocation plan for allowing commercial satellite operators to access New Zealand satellite opportunities. The plan provides for assessment and approval of applications according to acceptable work programme offers, which would result in an agreement with successful applicants. The agreement will specify milestones and a basis for Crown agencies to negotiate access to the satellite to meet specific policy objectives.

New Zealand Satellite Application Approved

Communications Minister David Cunliffe announced on 15 December 2005 Government approval of an application from NZLSAT Limited, a New Zealand company, to establish and operate a New Zealand satellite network.

The approval of the application followed the process set out in the New Zealand Satellite Allocation Plan. A contract between NZLSAT and the Ministry of Economic Development has been signed to formalise the arrangements. The contract further defines the role of the Ministry in the coordination process, the relationship between NZLSAT and the Ministry, contractual milestones and satellite launch conditions such as indemnity provisions.

Update 30 November 2006

The Ministry has received and approved NZLSAT's first milestone report. Milestone 1, which records the raising of initial capital for the New Zealand satellite project, has been achieved.