ASTRO UNIT INKS MEASAT DEAL
Agreement will enable use of 12 transponders on Measat-3d satellite
MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (MBNS), a wholly-owned unit of Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd, has signed a deal with Measat Communication Systems Sdn Bhd (MCSSB) to use the transponder capacity on the Measat-3d (M3d) satellite for a fee of US$360 million (RM1.49 billion).
Astro said the fee was subject to fixed and variable discounts of up to US$18 million.
“The commencement date will be February 1 2022 or a date mutually agreed between MBNS and MCSSB,” it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday.
Astro said an improvement in video compression technology would allow the 12 transponders
on the M3d satellite, expected to be launched in 2022, to replace the current 18 on the M3 and M3a satellites.
It said MBNS last year signed an agreement with Measat International (South Asia) Ltd (Misal) for an early termination of the use of the transponder capacity on the Measat-3b (M3b) satellite.
“The early termination will allow MBNS to terminate the lease of the six transponders on the M3b satellite which it no longer requires,” it said.
Both MCSSB and Misal are subsidiaries of Measat Global Bhd.
Astro said MBNS was currently leasing 42 transponders on Measat satellites for its required transponder capacity to provide Direct-to-Home and Internet access services to its subscribers.
“The lease for the 12 transponders on the M3 satellite and six on the M3a satellite will expire on February 22 2022 and July 20 2024, respectively.
“After the expiry, MBNS will only have the use of transponders on one operational satellite, the M3b. The new deal will allow MBNS to use the transponder capacity on the M3d satellite,” it said.
Astro said the agreement would satisfy MBNS’ business continuity plan requirements to have the use of transponders on at least two operating satellites.
