27 November 2024
Thaicom has relocated its recently acquired Thaicom 9A satellite to the 50.5º East orbital slot just a few days before Thailand’s rights to the slot expired.
Thaicom subsidiary TC Space Connect Company Limited (TCSC) won the usage rights to the 50.5º East slot from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) last month in a beauty contest. The NBTC had previously tried to auction off the slot in July, along with the 142° East slot, but failed to attract any bidders.
Thailand had been trying to find someone to utilise the slot since January 2023 to keep the rights to it before they expire on 27 November. Otherwise, the country would have to surrender it to the International Telecommunication Union.
Earlier this month, Thaicom announced it would acquire the Eutelsat 36B satellite (which it was already leasing capacity from) and move it from its 36° East orbital slot to the 50.5º East slot. That move was completed on Friday. The satellite, renamed Thaicom 9A, is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2025. Thaicom said it will initially use the satellite to provide services to Thailand and targeted countries around Asia.
“This will boost Thailand’s competitive position allowing Thaicom to expand to new market opportunities while propelling the development of Thailand’s space industry,” said Thaicom CEO Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri.
