DES to ensure smooth transition of satellite operations from Thaicom to NT
Officials from the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and the National Telecom Public Co Ltd (NT) will visit the head office of Thaicom Public Co Ltd on Friday to oversee the handover of satellite operations.
Thaicom’s 30-year concession expires today (September 10).
“People can rest assured that satellite TV and other telecommunication services will continue as normal as Thaicom transferred all its assets under the satellite project to NT since July 30,” DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said.
“The transfer of the Thaicom project to the state will boost the country’s telecommunications strength and ensure people from all walks of life can access quality internet and telecom services. This will also help reserve Thailand’s orbital positions for its telecom satellites.”
Thaicom manages two satellites under NT’s supervision, namely Thaicom 4 (IP Star) at 119.5 degrees East and Thaicom 6 at 78.5 degrees East.
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Thaicom’s was given the concession on September 11, 1991, and has earned the state 13.85 billion baht in revenue so far – significantly higher than the 1.41 billion baht required by the contract.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed a panel of 16 individuals to check if Thaicom and Intouch Holdings, which holds 51 per cent of Thaicom, are following the terms of the concession contract and other related requirements.
The panel is chaired by General Wittawat Ratchatanan, former Ombudsman chair, and comprises legal and telecom exports such as Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, director of NT Plc Colonel Sappachai Huwanan and Justice Ministry permanent-secretary Wisit Wisitsora-at.
