Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 20, Viasat, a global satellite communications company, has received a $252 million AUD contract from Geoscience Australia (GA) and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to enhance the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN). Announced recently, this agreement, with an incremental value of $214 million AUD for Viasat, builds on a prior award from May 2023, when Inmarsat, now part of Viasat, was contracted to provide a satellite payload for SouthPAN.

SouthPAN, a joint initiative by Australia and New Zealand, delivers precise positioning and navigation services to sectors such as aviation, maritime, agriculture, surveying, and emergency response. Operational since 2022, it supports applications like precision agriculture, including spraying, yield mapping, and livestock management, and enhances safety on mining and construction sites through geo-fencing technologies for accurate tracking of workers and machinery.

“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,” said Melissa Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia. “From farms to freight, users will be able to access free services that are accurate and timely.”

The new contract extends Viasat’s role in SouthPAN, incorporating services from existing in-orbit satellites and a new payload. This strengthens the company’s partnership with GA and LINZ, enhancing its Communication Services segment. “Viasat is thrilled to expand its support for SouthPAN and enable improved positioning and navigation services across Australia and New Zealand,” said Todd McDonell, President of Viasat International Government. “SouthPAN represents extraordinary potential for the region: It can save lives by enabling precision safety tracking, help farmers improve productivity through automated device tracking, and even support transport management systems of the future.”

SouthPAN’s precise navigation capabilities are designed to boost productivity and safety across multiple industries. By providing free, accurate services, the network supports innovation in agriculture, transport, and safety operations. Viasat’s expertise in positioning, navigation, and timing services globally positions it to advance SouthPAN’s objectives, contributing to economic and operational benefits in Australia and New Zealand.

The expanded agreement underscores Viasat’s commitment to delivering reliable, advanced satellite solutions, fostering regional collaboration, and supporting sustainable growth in critical sectors through enhanced navigation infrastructure.