Optus has sealed a deal with wholesale television and satellite equipment distributor, NAS Australia, which it says will expand the distribution of its SatSleeve product range in regional and remote areas of Australia.
Under the deal, NAS will distribute the SatSleeve range through Optus’ regional retail network.
Optus says the deal allows it to reach more customers in regional and remote areas.
The Optus SatSleeve transforms smartphones into a satellite phone for users in remote locations unable to connect to mobile networks. Users can access voice, SMS and data services with the sleeve, providing there is a direct line of sight between the device and the satellite.
{loadposition peter}The new SatSleeve models use WiFi, rather than Bluetooth, to connect with the smartphone and are controlled through Optus’ free SatSleeve Hotspot app. With WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth accessories like vehicle hands-free systems and headsets can now be used when making satellite calls.
“Satellite communication is now accessible to everyone, from travellers to farmers, and through NAS’s extensive ‘reach’ into regional and remote parts of Australia, and access to the extensive customer base of VAST end-users, we can now deliver communication solutions to more parts of Australia than ever before,” Paul Sheridan, vice president of Optus Satellite says.
Sheridan says the relationship with NAS gives regional customers “immediate access to the technology that will help them stay in touch in remote locations”.
“NAS had been a key player in both the previous Optus Aurora and current VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television) Set Top Box and associated satellite dish gear supply and services market.”
NAS has been operating for more than three decades and has established a national network of NAS-owned warehouses, trade and retail customers, and specialist installers with points of presence throughout Australia.
John Kimbell, Managing Director, NAS said, “NAS Australia is proud to work with Optus Satellite to expand remote and regional distribution of the SatSleeve. Our partnership with Optus Satellite dates back to the Optus Aurora project in 1998 and has been highly regarded by the NAS team for close to two decades.
“We look forward to the continuation of our mutually beneficial relationship with Australia’s leading satellite provider.”