Thaicom banks on digital tech for new revenue
THAILAND'S satellite operator Thaicom Plc will capitalise on advanced digital technologies to create new businesses as part of its efforts to seek new revenue streams, the company's incoming chief executive officer Anant Kaewruamvongs said yesterday.
Such technologies range from Artificial Intelligent (AI) to the drones, fintech, and robotics, he added.
Anant will replace outgoing CEO Paiboon Panuwattanawong on May 1 2018.
Currently Anant is CEO of CS Loxinfo (CSL), which is 80 per cent owned by Advanced Wireless Network (AWN). Earlier CSL was a subsidiary of Thaicom.
All three companies come under the Intouch Holdings group.
Anant said the picture of the new businesses will become clearer in next six months and the company will build a solid base for all of the new ventures.
He said non-satellite businesses are expected to be the main revenue sources in the next five to seven years. Currently the satellite service is still the company's main revenue contributor.
The company is also exploring the possibility of a partnership in the emerging international projects of providing global broadband Internet service via low earth orbit satallites.
Recently Thaicom has launched a new satellite-related service, Nava digital maritime service platform, which provides broadband satellite services for ship operators, as part of the effort to seek new revenue.
Thaicom’s consolidated revenue from sales of goods and rendering of services for 2017 totalled Bt6.689 billion, a decrease of 22.6 per cent year on year, mainly due to the drop in revenues from satellite and related services. Currently Thaicom operates Thaicom 4 broadband satellite, Thaicom 5 and 6 broadcasting satellites under the concession of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. It also operates Thaicom 7 and 8 broadcasting satellites under the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)’s licensing regime. Thaicom’s concession under the ministry will end in 2021.
The ministry and Thaicom have been engaged in an arbitration dispute as the ministry views that both the Thaicom 7 and 8 satellites are under its concession and should be returned. Anant said that the company and the ministry are meeting to find the best solution to the issue.
They also have discussed preparations for the end of the Thaicom satellite concession to ensure a smooth transition.
