Delayed Optus satellite launch successful

After a delay of several months, Optus has successfully launched a new satellite it says will boost Australian television, internet, phone and data transmissions.

The Optus 10 satellite was carried skywards on Friday morning, Australian time, by an Ariane 5 rocket launched from the European space centre at Kourou in French Guiana.

After about 45 minutes, it detached into geostationary orbit - where it will remain for some 15 years.

It joins five other satellites owned by Optus that are in orbit, servicing Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.

The company says it will provide better mobile network coverage in remote areas and greater bandwidth to support the delivery of video, data and phone services.

"This represents the next advance into space by Australians," said Rob Parcell, Optus' satellite director, in a statement.

The launch was first planned for May, but was delayed for technical reasons.

"Launching a satellite is a complex process," an Optus representative said.

"No one launches a satellite until it's been fully tested and the launch vehicle is capable of completing its launch mission."

Optus has dominated the provision of satellite services in Australia since it launched its first some 29 years ago. Its satellites generate more than $300 million in revenue annually.

But it is facing increasing pressure from foreign players such as Luxembourg's Intelsat and Britain's Inmarsat.

NBN Co, the company rolling out the National Broadband Network, is set to launch two satellites next year to service regional Australia.