Shin Unit Studies Sixth Satellite
By Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn, Bangkok Post, Thailand
Feb. 22–Shin Satellite Plc says it is undertaking a feasibility study on fresh investment in its sixth satellite to determine whether to purchase a new satellite or forge partnerships with other Asian operators to share transponder resources.
The 41 percent-owned satellite subsidiary of Shin Corp now operates four satellites in orbit, including iPSTAR, the world’s largest broadband satellite. Its first satellite, Thaicom 1, will reach the end of its 16-year service life by mid-2009.
The company will transfer the Ku-band transponders of Thaicom 1 to iPSTAR, also known as Thaicom 5, almost filling the latter’s capacity next year.
Patompob Suwansiri, marketing head of Shin Satellite, said the company was considering the possibility of forming partnerships with satellite operators in Asia to jointly purchase a new satellite and share its transponder slots.
“The conclusion on the satellite purchase is expected by the end of this year. The launch of the sixth satellite, or Thaicom 6, would take two years,” he said.
Mr Patompob said the size and the cost of the satellite would be about the same as the US$100-million Thaicom 5. The technology would be either fourth-generation broadcast-oriented or a combination between broadcast and conventional satellite modes.
He said a joint venture would be a strong option as investing in a new satellite required a huge capital outlay. Also, the number of satellite operators has surpassed demand.
Mr Patompob added most of the new satellites in orbits in Asia were replacements, with customers using them for direct-to-home (DTH) television services.
DTH services deliver broadcast signals directly to individual customers using satellite dishes.
Mr Patompob said a new satellite for broadcast would be a strong option based on the company’s preliminary feasibility study, which discovered that the trends for high-definition television and further liberalisation of free TV would require more high-bandwidth broadcast satellites.
He also said that iPSTAR was expected to be the company’s flagship revenue earner this year, with operators in Thailand and Australia being the major customers.
The utilisation of iPSTAR is now 6 percent of the satellite’s capacity of 45 gigabits per second (Gbps).
Mr Patompob said the company was on the verge of opening gateways in India, Taiwan and Japan, with services beginning in the second half of this year.
It is also about to begin providing services in South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia over the next two months.
The company’s plan to launch iPSTAR services in India had been delayed until early next year from the fourth quarter, pending a licence on imports of gateways, he said.
Shares of Shin Satellite (SATTEL) closed on Wednesday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 9.70 baht, down five satang, in trade of 11.5 million baht.
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