Thaicom and Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Sign Consulting Contract
Nonthaburi (Thailand) and Dhaka (Bangladesh), 18 September 2018 – Thaicom Public Company Limited (Stock Exchange of Thailand: THCOM), a leading Asian satellite operator and provider of integrated satellite end-to-end solutions, and Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL), a Bangladesh Government owned satellite operator, announce the signing of a multi-year consultancy service agreement.
Under the agreement, Thaicom will provide BCSCL comprehensive business and market development services for the Bangabandhu Satellite-1, the first ever geostationary satellite of Bangladesh that was successfully launched on 11 May 2018. The contract is a next critical step in the national objective to narrow the digital divide and promote the digitalization process in Bangladesh. The satellite program will enable the country to fulfil its demand of satellite related services by itself and will introduce broadcasting and telecommunication services to rural areas of Bangladesh and other countries in Asia. The Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will also support rescue operations in the aftermath of disasters.
Md Saiful Islam, Managing Director of Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL), said: “We are pleased to partner with Thaicom in order to develop our Bangabandhu satellite program and future markets. The Bangabandhu satellite system represents an opportunity for our Nation to provide advanced communications and broadcasting access including high-speed internet and direct-to-home broadcasting services for both the citizens of Bangladesh and the people in other Asian countries in a cost-effective manner. Our partnership with Thaicom demonstrates a key step in our commitment to increasing economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Bangladeshi citizens through nationwide access to telecommunications.”
Anant Kaewruamvongs, CEO of Thaicom, stated: “We are proud to be able to participate in this historical milestone for Bangladesh and to have been selected to assist the country in the business and market development of its Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in several Asian countries. Thaicom has many years of experience and expertise in developing complex satellite programs and deploying services on the ground to mitigate the digital divide in the Asia Pacific, as with IPSTAR we were the first company worldwide to launch a highthroughput satellite back in 2005.”
Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, CCO of Thaicom, added: “The contract demonstrates Thaicom’s ability to provide a broad range of commercial services to support governments and corporates in their development and implementation of complex satellite programs. BCSCL can draw upon our vast experience in developing markets and providing cost-effective satellite communication services on an end-to-end basis. Thaicom has been involved in various projects and aspects of satellite infrastructure and business development in Asia and Africa in the last 20 years.”