Bangkok Post | March 23, 2011 | Chatrudee Theparat & Komsan Tortermvasana
The cabinet has approved a proposal by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry to build two satellites in order to retain the country’s satellite orbital slot rights, due to expire next year.
It also required the ministry to report any progress on commercial operations of the two satellites in one month.
The approval will enable Thailand to avoid losing its satellite orbital slots at 50.5 degrees East and 120 degrees East, which are set to expire in January and October 2012, respectively.
It would also enhance the country’s commercial satellite industry and provide options apart from Thaicom Plc, the country’s sole satellite provider.
The ministry said 50.5 degrees East was significant economically as satellites positioned there could cover Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. The slot at 120 degrees East will be used for national security purposes.
Vachara Kannikar, a deputy government spokesman, said CAT Telecom would be responsible for building the satellite for the 120 degrees East slot.
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