News Review: New comms competitor | ADM Aug 2010

Newly launched telecommunications carrier and network operator Indigo Telecom Australia has revealed plans to compete for a share of the local Defence market.

At the company’s launch in Brisbane in early July, CEO and cofounder David Ruddiman said Indigo, which is also targeting communications in remote and regional areas for industries such as transport, tourism and resources, was “absolutely committed” to pursuing Defence contracts.

“We are determined to work with our international partners on securing access to Defence here in Australia, because Australian forces operate in theatres of war that are within our coverage footprint,” Ruddiman said.

“We believe we have the technology and the solutions to fulfil some of those Defence requirements.”

Ruddiman said Indigo hoped to work with Australian integrators, and that the company was already in discussions with Nova Defence about opportunities to partner for comms on the move and other Defence technology applications.

The Indigo Australia advisory board includes Dr William Schneider, who also currently sits on the boards of BAE Systems and Finmeccanica North America, and is a former member of the board of EADS North America.

Former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer and submarine communications specialist Trent Yates is heading up Indigo’s local Products and Solutions area.

Indigo Telecom Australia is an Australian service provider for international mobile satellite service company Thuraya, and is spearheading its entry into the local market with two rugged mobile handsets, the Thuraya XT and Thuraya SG, and a lightweight Thuraya IP data terminal.

Indigo’s satellite and terrestrial voice and data coverage extends across 100 per cent of the Australian landmass, and some 200 kilometres out to sea.