Thaicom, a satellite company of Thailand and a leading Asian satellite operator, will provide market development services for state-owned Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Ltd (BCSCL).
The two companies signed a multi-year consultancy service agreement, Thaicom said in a statement on Tuesday.
Under the agreement, Thaicom will provide BCSCL with comprehensive business and market development services for the Bangabandhu satellite-1, the first geostationary satellite of Bangladesh that was successfully launched on May 11.
The contract is a next critical step in the national objective to narrow the digital divide and promote the digitalisation process in Bangladesh.
The satellite programme will enable the country to fulfil its demand of satellite related services by itself and will introduce broadcasting and telecommunication services to rural areas of Bangladesh and other countries in Asia, according to the statement.
The Bangabandhu satellite will also support rescue operations in the aftermath of disasters.
“We are pleased to partner with Thaicom in order to develop our Bangabandhu satellite program and future markets,” said Md Saiful Islam, managing director of BCSCL.
The Bangabandhu satellite system represents an opportunity to provide advanced communications and broadcasting access, including high-speed internet, and direct-to-home broadcasting services in Bangladesh and other Asian countries in a cost-effective manner, he said.
“Our partnership with Thaicom demonstrates a key step in our commitment to increasing economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Bangladeshi citizens through nationwide access to telecommunications.”
Anant Kaewruamvongs, CEO of Thaicom, said: "We are proud to be able to participate in this historical milestone for Bangladesh and to have been selected to assist the country in the business and market development of its Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in several Asian countries.”
Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, CCO of Thaicom, added: “The contract demonstrates Thaicom’s ability to provide a broad range of commercial services to support governments and corporations in their development and implementation of complex satellite programmes.”
“BCSCL can draw upon our vast experience in developing markets and providing cost-effective satellite communication services on an end-to-end basis. Thaicom has been involved in various projects and aspects of satellite infrastructure and business development in Asia and Africa in the last 20 years.”