The satellites will be used by NBN Co to deliver broadband in remote regions of Australia.

According to the Geneva-based International Telecommunications Union (ITU), despite NBN Co. not yet finalising the positions in orbit over Australia for the satellites, it is not uncommon for a company to purchase satellites beforehand.

"It is possible for a company to purchase a satellite in advance of it being put into use and the orbital slots being finalised," the agency said in a prepared statement.

"In order to secure those slots the notifying authority, which in Australia is the Australian Communications and Media Authority, needs to (a) initialise the registration procedure with the ITU, and (b) resolve any major compatibility issues with operators of neighbouring satellites."

The ITU added that as long as "there are no regional objections and the ITU registration process is underway, an operator can proceed with its launch plans."