CAT Telecom has expressed its readiness to take control of satellites Thaicom 4 and 6 after Thaicom's satellite operating concession ends in September next year.
The state telecom enterprise said it will assign 24 staff to attend a one-year satellite training course under the collaboration with Thaicom from September to ensure the seamless continuity of the two satellites' operation.
The move follows a recent resolution by the National Digital Economy and Society Committee (NDESC) to approve CAT Telecom serving as the sole agency in handling the operations and assets in connection with the satellite concession due to expire next year.
Previously, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry planned to draft terms of reference (ToR) to seek companies to operate and make use of the assets under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
But the move was later scrapped and the NDESC agreed that CAT Telecom would be the sole agency to handle the operation of the two satellites after the concession expires.
Such a resolution would be submitted to the cabinet for approval soon, said CAT Telecom president Sanpachai Huvanandana, adding: "We are waiting for the formal approval from the cabinet".
"CAT is now ready to handle the task," Col Sanpachai said. The company would be responsible for asset management and operations of national orbital slots with efficient capability and security.
He said CAT Telecom has drawn up a national satellite management plan, which was presented to the National Space Policy Board and the NDESC on April 10.
The plan covers CAT's preparation for management of satellite-related business and services.
Thaicom 4 has an engineering lifespan and fuel power until 2022, Col Sanpachai said. Its 119.5 orbital slot is location of high potential to support Thai and foreign customers.
A drone will be deployed to refuel the satellite and in the future a new satellite may have to be acquired to replace it through a cooperation with partners, he said.
Thaicom 6, which is at 78.5 East, is located in a so-called hot bird position with high potential and business value. It is operating in full capacity to serve 16 million subscriptions of broadcasting services. Its lifespan runs until 2029.
According to Col Sanpachai, CAT Telecom is in talks with three partners to run business in relation to satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). There are more than 600 LEO satellites to be leveraged globally.
CAT would provide satellite gateway stations or earth stations to these LEO satellites as well as act as a marketing arm for the LEO satellites, he said.
The LEO satellites can be used to support 5G network development, he said.
Thaicom chief executive Anant Kaewruamvongs said the company is also waiting for the formal resolution from the cabinet about the two satellites' management.
Thaicom earlier submitted a proposal to the DES ministry, seeking a partnership with CAT under the PPP model to operate the satellites. When asked about the proposal by the Bangkok Post, he refused to discuss the matter.
Thaicom adheres to its existing concession condition, including transferring related satellite assets to the state after the concession contract ends, Mr Anant said.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1909516/cat-keen-to-operate-thaicom-4-6