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Giants object to launch of BD satellite into orbit
They fear frequency disruptions
Published : Saturday, 15 December 2012
Jasim Khan
The launch of the country's first ever satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' by January 2015 into the orbit has become uncertain due to objections raised by some big nations. Moreover, the availability of necessary funds in this regard has yet to be confirmed.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications sources said a total of 20 countries, including Russia, France and Australia, raised objections to the launch of the Bangabandhu satellite as Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) applied for approval before sending the satellite into 102 degrees slot.
Those countries conveyed their objections to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) on the plea that if Bangladesh launches a satellite into 102 degrees slot, their satellites may face frequency disruptions.
A high official at the ministry told The Financial Express that Bangladesh needs a slot in the principal orbit, especially at 102 degrees or 69 degrees, where the country would get frequency smoothly.
He said if Bangladesh had applied for the east slot at 69 degrees, Malaysia, Singapore and China might have raised objections on the same plea.
Meanwhile, the BTRC and the finance ministry have showed differences of opinion on the search for funds for the project.
The government needs about Tk 30 billion for the project, which BTRC want to get under suppliers' credit from any financial institution that would also take responsibility to maintain the satellite for about 20 years. But the finance ministry has suggested BTRC to search for funds from any multilateral partner like Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the World Bank (WB), where interest rate is negligible.
Besides, formation of a proposed company which will find the necessary funds, operate and manage the satellite business, has been delayed due to delay in taking a decision by the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry.
The BTRC has made three proposals on the company, while the ministry at a meeting held last week could not take any decision in this connection.
The officials from different ministries during the meeting could not reach a decision about the financing and the nature of the proposed company.
The Post and Telecommunications Ministry officials tabled the suggestion to retain the company fully under it, but BTRC and other stakeholders stood for an independent character of the company and private sector representations in it.
Sources said due to the differences of opinion, the ministry could not take a decision on formation of the proposed company.
In March this year, the BTRC signed a consultancy deal with US firm Space Partnership International (SPI). The firm will design the satellite, officials said.
The satellite will reduce reliance on foreign satellites for cable channels and extend telecom services to the remote areas of the country.
Moreover, meteorological data, including disaster warnings, will be easily available via the satellite. It might also be used for mapping natural resources.
The project would cost Tk 30 billion, whereas SPI would charge Tk 900 million for its consultancy services.
The country spends US$ 11 million every year for using satellites as the domestic satellite television channels, telephones, radios pay rents for using satellite facilities from other countries.
If Bangladesh can successfully send its satellite into orbit, it will earn $50 million through renting out its unused portion every year. Neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar may become its clients.
BTRC experts said the submarine cable network was yet to be available in all upazilas and districts of the country, including remote areas of Sylhet and Chittagong divisions. But a satellite is the only way to make internet available in those areas.
It will also ensure uninterrupted telecommunication inside the country as well as with rest of the world.
On November 7, 2010, Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) placed a proposal on launching the country's maiden satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' into orbit at a meeting of the ministers concerned.
On November 9 in 2010, BTRC invited international tender in search of global satellite experts for the launch of the country's maiden satellite into orbit.
Financial Express :: Financial Newspaper of Bangladesh
They fear frequency disruptions
Published : Saturday, 15 December 2012
Jasim Khan
The launch of the country's first ever satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' by January 2015 into the orbit has become uncertain due to objections raised by some big nations. Moreover, the availability of necessary funds in this regard has yet to be confirmed.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications sources said a total of 20 countries, including Russia, France and Australia, raised objections to the launch of the Bangabandhu satellite as Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) applied for approval before sending the satellite into 102 degrees slot.
Those countries conveyed their objections to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) on the plea that if Bangladesh launches a satellite into 102 degrees slot, their satellites may face frequency disruptions.
A high official at the ministry told The Financial Express that Bangladesh needs a slot in the principal orbit, especially at 102 degrees or 69 degrees, where the country would get frequency smoothly.
He said if Bangladesh had applied for the east slot at 69 degrees, Malaysia, Singapore and China might have raised objections on the same plea.
Meanwhile, the BTRC and the finance ministry have showed differences of opinion on the search for funds for the project.
The government needs about Tk 30 billion for the project, which BTRC want to get under suppliers' credit from any financial institution that would also take responsibility to maintain the satellite for about 20 years. But the finance ministry has suggested BTRC to search for funds from any multilateral partner like Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the World Bank (WB), where interest rate is negligible.
Besides, formation of a proposed company which will find the necessary funds, operate and manage the satellite business, has been delayed due to delay in taking a decision by the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry.
The BTRC has made three proposals on the company, while the ministry at a meeting held last week could not take any decision in this connection.
The officials from different ministries during the meeting could not reach a decision about the financing and the nature of the proposed company.
The Post and Telecommunications Ministry officials tabled the suggestion to retain the company fully under it, but BTRC and other stakeholders stood for an independent character of the company and private sector representations in it.
Sources said due to the differences of opinion, the ministry could not take a decision on formation of the proposed company.
In March this year, the BTRC signed a consultancy deal with US firm Space Partnership International (SPI). The firm will design the satellite, officials said.
The satellite will reduce reliance on foreign satellites for cable channels and extend telecom services to the remote areas of the country.
Moreover, meteorological data, including disaster warnings, will be easily available via the satellite. It might also be used for mapping natural resources.
The project would cost Tk 30 billion, whereas SPI would charge Tk 900 million for its consultancy services.
The country spends US$ 11 million every year for using satellites as the domestic satellite television channels, telephones, radios pay rents for using satellite facilities from other countries.
If Bangladesh can successfully send its satellite into orbit, it will earn $50 million through renting out its unused portion every year. Neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar may become its clients.
BTRC experts said the submarine cable network was yet to be available in all upazilas and districts of the country, including remote areas of Sylhet and Chittagong divisions. But a satellite is the only way to make internet available in those areas.
It will also ensure uninterrupted telecommunication inside the country as well as with rest of the world.
On November 7, 2010, Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) placed a proposal on launching the country's maiden satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' into orbit at a meeting of the ministers concerned.
On November 9 in 2010, BTRC invited international tender in search of global satellite experts for the launch of the country's maiden satellite into orbit.
Financial Express :: Financial Newspaper of Bangladesh
