Thaicom boosts capacity ahead of Thaicom 6 launch
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Thaicom will provide interim satellite services in advance of its Thaicom 6 satellite launch, to serve the growing demand of Thailand's broadcasters.
“Realising the needs of our customers, we have acquired an interim satellite to provide services at 78.5 degrees East orbital slot well ahead of the launch of Thaicom 6.,” Suphajee Suthumpun, CEO and executive chairman, said in a statement. “Such interim satellite, according to the plan, can commence services in late of July.”
With the interim satellite, Thaicom will be able to provide its existing and new customers with additional satellite broadcasting capacity as well as to meet the needs of any digital terrestrial television (DTT) stations that may require broadcasting in accordance with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) “Must-Carry” regulations. Once Thaicom 6 is launched, such interim satellite will be moved away. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has also agreed to service provisioning of the interim satellite in accordance with MICT’s satellite concession.
The original launch schedule of Thaicom 6 was in mid-2013. Recently, the launcher of Thaicom 6, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), informed that due to delay in the launch of a satellite ahead in the line, Thaicom 6’s launch schedule will unavoidably be shifted, possibly until late of the third quarter or in the fourth quarter of this year.
“In satellite industry, launch delay could occur for a variety of reasons. This case was due to the launcher, SpaceX, had experienced scheduling problems with another satellite to be launched before Thaicom 6. However, the delay posts no problem to Thaicom. Our Thaicom 6 satellite manufacturing is well-on-track. Moreover, we have been able to acquire an interim satellite to serve our customers.” Suphajee explained.
With the interim satellite, Thaicom will also be able to realise additional revenue in advance of the launch of Thaicom 6.
Thaicom 6 has already exceeded its pre-launch booking target of 30 per cent, with sales exceeding 60 per cent of capacity. The satellite will provide broadcasting services for customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Africa, from the ‘hotbird’ position at 78.5 degrees East.
