Thai satellite operator Thaicom says that its subsidiary IPSTAR India has been granted approval by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to provide broadband satellite services in India.
According to a statement from Thaicom issued Friday, IN-SPACe authorized IPSTAR India to provide satellite-related services using the Thaicom 4 satellite at 119.5º East and Thaicom 8 at 78.5º East.
The authorisation also includes Thaicom’s upcoming new satellite, Thaicom 9, which is being supplied by Astranis and will be launched sometime next year to replace Thaicom 4 in the 119.5º East slot.
Thaicom said its satellite services in India will focus on delivering broadband satellite solutions to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, targeting not only rural markets but also underserved areas with connectivity challenges.
Thaicom CEO Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri said the company aims to capitalise on growing and diverse demand for satellite services in India, as well as help bridge the country’s digital divide.
“Thaicom has been providing satellite services to the Indian market since 1997, and we are committed to serving India in the long term,” he said in a statement. “We are convinced that our extensive knowledge in the satellite industry and commitment to broadband service delivery will enable us to meet India’s insatiable demand for broadband connectivity.”