Applications

Close of Period for Competing Applications

The Ministry confirms that the period for competing applications for the establishment of a satellite at 158°East, in geo-synchronous orbit, closed on the 6 April 2005 as advised on the Ministry's website on 22 February 2005. The Ministry did not receive any competing applications.

The Ministry advises that the initial application notified on 22 February was received from NZLSAT Ltd. The Ministry is now undertaking an evaluation process to determine the acceptability or otherwise of NZLSAT's application. A further announcement will be made at the end of the evaluation process.

SingTel Optus has advised the Ministry of its current, planned and possible future New Zealand satellite services in 14/12 GHz bands and BSS Plan bands from 156°East and 160°East. The Ministry notes that any planned coverage of New Zealand not filed through the New Zealand administration will need to be coordinated through the normal ITU process.

Notice of Application 22 February 2005

In accordance with the invitation to submit applications under the New Zealand Satellite Allocation Plan for access to New Zealand satellite resources, the Ministry has received an application for the establishment of a satellite at 158°East, in geo-synchronous orbit. The applicant requests access to the NZLSAT 1-4 filings that New Zealand has lodged with the ITU (Summarised below).

The applicant has also indicated that it wishes to:

• access and implement services in accordance with the ITU BSS Allotment Plan (Radio Regulation Appendix 30) covering New Zealand and some islands in the Pacific Ocean;
• initiate filings for channel assignments in the ITU BSS Allotment Plan that are not allocated for New Zealand use; and
• initiate modifications to the ITU FSS allotment Plan (Radio Regulation Appendix 30B) to operate from the 158°East orbital location.

As suggested in the allocation plan, a 30 working day period will apply to the receipt of competing applications. The last day for the receipt of applications is 6 April 2005.

NZLSAT 1-4 Filings

The Ministry has also received expressions of interest from:

• Singtel Optus who identify opportunities for services from the 156°East orbital location;
• Space Communications Corporation (SCC) of Japan who note that they operate a satellite at 158°E; and
• Intersputnik who are offering assistance with satellite manufacture and launch.