ISC, foreign firm join for broadband satellite project

Thaicom has not named the foreign partner at this stage.
This will be the first satellite of Thaicom group to operate outside of Thai regulations, as administered by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) and the Digital Economy and Society Ministry. 
Thaicom currently has five satellites in operation: the Thaicom 4 (iPSTAR) broadband satellite, and the Thaicom 5, 6, 7 and 8 broadcasting satellites. 
Thaicom 4, 5 and 6 operate under the ministry’s concession, while the other two fall under the NBTC licensing regime.
However, the ministry is keen to bring the two licensed satellites back to the concession regime, arguing that the regime does not expire until 2021.
Thaicom yesterday announced that ISC had entered into a satellite procurement contract with China Great Wall Industry Corp, which is China’s leader in satellite construction and commercial launch services. 
It said ISC had been entrusted to conduct a new satellite project for a business partner, and that the satellite would be operated under the licence and orbital slot of that partner.
The project will serve the provision of broadband and mobility services for Asia-Pacific, it added.
The partner will provide the company with advanced service fees, which will serve as the source of funding for the construction of the satellite, while the project is expected to contribute to increased revenue for the company, Thaicom said.
With a 15-year lifespan, it will have a service footprint covering China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. 
The satellite is expected to be completed around the end of 2019, Thaicom said in the announcement.