Bangkok--3 Feb--THAICOM
THAICOM Public Company Limited, announced today that broadcasting services on its recently launched THAICOM 6 satellite will commence on 1 February after the completion of in-orbit testing. The Company has already transferred ownership of the satellite to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT).
Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Chairman of the Executive Committee and CEO of THAICOM Plc. disclosed that, “After the successful launch of THAICOM 6 earlier this month, followed by the completion of in-orbit testing of the satellite, we will commence services on THAICOM 6 starting February 1. Prior to commencement of services, however, we transferred ownership of the THAICOM 6 satellite to the MICT in keeping with our concession agreement. THAICOM launched and transferred the ownership of totally six satellites to the country including THAICOM 6, which is the latest asset transferred.” THAICOM’s concession agreement with the MICT is a build-transfer-operate concession, requiring the Company to transfer all satellites and related operational equipment to the MICT after completion and prior to utilization. In addition, the Company is required to pay the MICT an agreed percentage of the Company's annual gross revenue earned from the transponder business.
THAICOM 6 is a medium size Star 2.3 model satellite constructed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, U.S.A. The satellite has 33 transponders (TPE), including 24 C-band and 9 Ku-band transponders serving Thailand, Southeast Asia and Africa. “The THAICOM 6 satellite will support the emergence of new technologies in the satellite TV broadcasting segment, with high quality voice and video signals in both standard and high definition, and support the growth of Thailand’s broadcasting industry. THAICOM 6 will also help us expand our fleet and to enter into new markets covering Southeast Asia and Africa,” Suphajee added.