The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) is a joint initiative between the Australian and New Zealand governments, designed to enhance GNSS signals for improved accuracy and reliability across both nations and their maritime zones. It is currently operational in its early phase.
The collaboration is formalized under the Australia-New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement (ANZSRICA). Under this agreement, Geoscience Australia and Toitū The Whenua Land Information New Zealand jointly oversee the development, deployment, and operation of SouthPAN.
SouthPAN operates as a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), which means it augments existing GNSS signals rather than providing independent positioning services. It uses a network of ground reference stations to monitor GNSS signals, calculate corrections for errors such as satellite orbit deviations and atmospheric delays, and then broadcasts these corrections via geostationary satellites. This process enhances the accuracy, integrity, and availability of GNSS positioning information.
Prerequisites:
• Strong political mandate and sustained funding
• Spectrum/ITU coordination and filings and regional regulatory framework
• Partnerships with established GNSS/space primes and launch providers
• Technical Infrastructure (Servers and Storage, Network, GNSS Receivers)
• Technical expertise for system development, integration and operations
• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning
• Legal/regulatory framework for managing and sharing PNT data.
• Procurement pathway
• Partner support as needed
Cost:
Pilot SBAS/GBAS
• Ballpark: USD 50M–300M + OPEX USD 2M–5M/yr
• Includes: feasibility studies and agreements, limited ground reference stations and control centres, uplink and communication infrastructure, hosted payloads on GEO satellites, development of augmentation algorithms, initial certification for aviation/maritime, training and workforce exchange, early operations and maintenance
Full Regional SBAS
• Ballpark: USD 1-5B over 20 years (shared among partners) + OPEX USD 50M–60M/yr
• Includes: regional partnership governance, large-scale reference station network, multiple GEO hosted payloads, full augmentation algorithms and service levels, ICAO/IMO/ITU certification and compliance, workforce development, long-term operations and upgrades
In the use case illustrated, for the SouthPAN system, the development and operations over 20 years represents close to USD 1.2B, to which Australia contributes 75% and New Zealand 25%.
Timeframe:
Pilot
• Overall 48–72 mo
• Phase: feasibility & agreements (12–18 mo), design & procurement (12–18 mo), infrastructure deployment (12–18 mo), testing & rollout (12–18 mo)
Full SBAS
• Overall 60–120 mo
• Phase: governance & design (18–24 mo), infrastructure build & procurement (24–36 mo), deployment & integration (18–30 mo), certification & operational rollout (12–30 mo) Test & certification (12–24 mo)
Pros:
• Increased Accuracy - Improve signal to even cm-level positioning compared to standard GNSS signal.
• Economic Benefits - Advanced services that require greater precision are enabled.
• Safety-of-Life Services - Enable certified aviation services that enhance safety during critical phases like landing in poor visibility.
• Open Access - Provide free and openly available SouthPAN services for users with compatible GNSS devices.
Considerations:
• Infrastructure Costs - Plan for high initial investment and ongoing maintenance of ground and satellite infrastructure.
• Device Compatibility - Ensure users have SBAS-enabled GNSS receivers; some devices may need updates or replacement.
• Coverage Limitations - Recognize that SouthPAN currently covers Australia, New Zealand, and maritime zones, but not globally.