Singaporean telecom provider Transcelestial, Paspalis to test laser technology in the Territory

Using high-end laser tech, a Singaporean company is hoping to address remote connectivity challenges in northern Australia, with a focus on improving defence assets and space communications.

Singaporean telecom provider Transcelestial and local company Paspalis have teamed up to test laser technology across the Territory from 2025.

Using high-end laser technology, a Singaporean-based company is hoping to address remote connectivity challenges in northern Australia, with a specific focus on improving defence assets and space communications.

This week, telecom service provider Transcelestial, with the backing of local company Paspalis Capital, announced it would test various laser communications in the Northern Territory from 2025.

A mass-producer of superfast global internet distribution, Transcelestial’s technology aims to leverage wireless laser communication to create distribution between buildings and towers at a lower operating cost or mobile network operators and internet provides.

After months of discussion between Darwin and Singapore, Transcelestial and Paspalis Capital have revealed the three key initiatives they intend to bring to Territory in the coming months.

Left to Right: CTO & co-founder of Transcelestial Dr Mohammad Danesh with Paspalis investment manager Alex Farrugia. Picture: Supplied.

Firstly, Transcelestial will test its wireless CENTAURI laser system across outback locations in both Dry and Wet season conditions – with the ultimate goal to improve communications for mining operations and healthcare facilities based across the Territory.

Secondly, the telecom provider will seek to demonstrate non-jammable ground-to-drone communications across land, sea and air domains in a bid to lure the interest of local defence industry.

Finally, a laser-based optical ground station will be established in Alice Springs to test space-to-ground laser communication, making it the first international site outside of Singapore to test Transcelestial’s space-specific technology.

Transcelestial chief executive and co-founder Rohit Jha said he was confident his team would be successful in their Australian endeavours.

“Australia has a unique challenges when it comes to bridging the digital divide which Transcelestial has an excellent track record on resolving,” he said.

“While our terrestrial solutions can help, using space and drones to not only support the people and industries but also provide a secure connectivity paradigm for national security is very exciting to us.”

Paspalis investment manager Alex Farrugia says a ground station in Alice Springs will help position Australia as “key player” in global space communications.

It is understood local stakeholders have already signalled their interest in the technology, which, if successful on Territory terrain, could be made commercially available.

Mr Jha said he expected laser communications to “bring billions in economic opportunity” to Australia.
“This isn’t just about upgrades to infrastructure – it’s about pioneering how an entire continent stays connected to our vision for global connectivity and pushes the boundaries of human exploration beyond Earth.”

Paspalis investment manager Alex Farrugia hailed the exciting arrangement and singled out the space-related initiative as a “pivotal moment”.

“By establishing this cutting-edge optical ground station in Alice Springs, Transcelestial is not just enhancing our nation’s space capabilities, but positioning Australia as a key player in the future of global space communications,” he said.

“This project will be a giant leap forward for space innovation, attracting international partnerships and fostering a new generation of space technology experts right here in Australia.”

Originally published as Singaporean telecom provider Transcelestial, Paspalis to test laser technology in the Territory