Thaicom, MVI to beam pay TV into Laos
Satellite operator Thaicom Plc announced on Monday it had signed a transponder-leasing agreement with Thai broadcaster and DTH platform operator MV International to establish a pay-TV platform in Laos.
The multi-year agreement gives MVI access to Ku-band capacity on the Thaicom 8 satellite that became operational in July last year.
Thaicom chief commercial officer Patompob “Nile” Suwansiri said the deal underlines his firm’s long-term commitment to the Asean Economic Community (AEC), whose integration depends in part on satellite-enabled telecommunications infrastructure.
MVI president Chaiyuth Tavipvordech said the arrangement would enable his company to deliver high-quality broadcasting services and programming to Laos.
“Thaicom’s premium satellite-communications services present MVI the opportunity to expand our business into new media and broadcast-service segments of the Southeast Asian market,” he said.
Thaicom 8 accommodates broadcast and data clients in Asia and Africa as the industry transitions from standard to high definition and ultra-high definition.
Thaicom 8 has 24 Ku-band transponders covering Thailand, South Asia and Africa.
Co-located with Thaicom 5 and Thaicom 6 at 78.5 degrees E longitude, it serves the “rich video channel neighbourhood at the 78.5-degree E orbital slot”.
Orbital ATK manufactured the satellite and SpaceX handled the launch. Thaicom 8 is designed to operate for more than 15 years.
