Thaicom gets IPM Co as its first customer
THE THAICOM 8 satellite has clinched its first customer, IPM Company, the country’s leading direct-to-home provider, which has awarded it a contract for transponder service.
“With Thaicom 8, we will able to utilise Thaicom’s leading video channel neighbourhood and broadcast platform at 78.5 degree east for the cost-effective expansion of our business including high definition TV in the not-so-distant future,” Manop Tokarnka, chief executive officer of IPM, said yesterday.
The contract is a major milestone for Thaicom 8, which was launched into orbit in May. Its satellite capacity will enable IPM to move its four million satellite dishes to the 78.5-degree east position of Thaicom 8.
The agreement is in line with Thaicom’s business plan of providing the satellite capacity needed to fuel the fast growth of the broadcast and media industries in Asia.
IPM is the country’s leading satellite dish provider on the Ku-band.
It is pleased to enter into the partnership with Thaicom through this deal.
“We believe Thaicom offers superior satellite performance and customer service over other operators, which is another reason why IPM decided to be on Thaicom 8.
“IPM has gone from strength to strength with local content channels as part of our strategy to strengthen the IPM satellite TV platform.
“Thaicom plays an important part in this strategy,” he said.
Paiboon Panuwattanawong, CEO of Thaicom, said the Thai TV market is one of the most dynamic and competitive in Asia.
“We are particularly proud of the fact that IPM moved from a global top three satellite operator to Thaicom, which is a testament to the trust in us and the tangible benefits that we bring to our customers,” he said.
Thaicom 8 represents a total solution for broadcast and data clients in Asia and Africa with excellent Ku-band coverage.
The satellite supports the high demand for capacity of the broadcasting industry as it transitions from standard definition to high definition and ultra-high definition.
Thaicom 8 carries 24 Ku-band transponders covering Thailand, South Asia and Africa.
Co-located with Thaicoms 5 and 6, Thaicom 8 entered service in July. It is designed to operate for more than 15 years.
