Thaicom satellite rejig in the works
The government is revising its request for a new satellite from Thaicom Plc, making it an exploration satellite for natural resources rather than one intended for telecom and broadcasting.
The review of its satellite plan comes in light of rapid technological changes, causing the government to consider the importance of an exploration satellite, said Pichet Durongkaveroj, the Digital Economy and Society (DE) minister.
Connectivity via ground networks, especially mobile and over-the-top platforms, has been sufficient to serve the demand of telecom and broadcasting service accessibility, he said.
“The move for the state to run satellite operations should not be rushed,”said Mr Pichet.
Satellites for telecom services in remote areas will not be in critical need going forward, he said, adding an exploration satellite may be more practical.
Previously, the government through the DE Ministry tried to partially take over operations of Thailand’s sole satellite service provider’s new satellite (Thaicom 9).
The move was in line with a resolution of the national space policy committee last year, led by Deputy Prime Minister ACM Prajin Juntong.
The committee had called for state enterprise CAT Telecom to partly invest in or operate the new national satellite.
The drive to make Thaicom 9 a national satellite also complied with the new operating structure of the satellite business that the government has been considering to ensure greater social benefits from the space economy.
Last week, Thaicom’s chief executive announced the company’s final decision to scrap plans for Thaicom 9’s launch in 2019 after construction had been suspended for a year.
Mr Pichet said Thaicaom’s decision to scrap the satellite plan would not affect the government because negotiations between all related parties has already been settled.
Meanwhile, the dispute between Thaicom and the DE Ministry over Thaicom 7 and 8 is still undergoing arbitration.
Mr Pichet said the Thaicom concession will expire in 2021.
After Thaicom concession ends, Thaicom, the DE Ministry and related parties, including the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, will jointly discuss how to handle the operations of Thaicom 4, 5 and 6.
“Thaicom 4, 5 and 6, as well as any other new satellites in the country, must fall under the auspices of the licence system and attendant conditions,” he said.
Mr Pichet reiterated that the new conditions are intended to secure maximal benefits for the public.