Media Release

7 July 2015: KAP Federal Leader and Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP after fielding a number of complaints about internet speeds from constituents in the Gulf Country and Western QLD, is pleased the Federal Government is moving ahead with a second satellite but will pressure the Government to expedite this process.

“We are very pleased the Government is moving ahead with a second satellite. The last Government did one satellite and it has proved inadequate.

“We are informed the Communications Minister is moving on a new second satellite and this is excellent news.

“We have taken up this issue of woeful internet speed for a number of people and we are informed the new satellite will more than adequately cater for existing demand and expanded growth,” Mr Katter said.

Cases have been reported to Mr Katter’s office where families are unable to access internet banking except for 5am in the morning when there are limited users; another person received a late fee from their phone supplier as they were unable to get online to pay their bill. In a third case, a business has been unable to download a small sized update for their accounting program.

Mr Katter has been informed that one of two new satellites will be launched in September with commercial access available for constituents in the first half of next year. Unlike the current satellite, the new satellites have been purpose built for Australian needs.

The lag in time between the satellites being launched and the commercial access for constituents is due to the satellites needing to be put into orbit position and testing carried out.

“We are pressuring the Government to do everything possible to speed up the program,” Mr Katter said.

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