NT Satellite Solutions: Expanding Horizons in Space Communication – An Interview with NT Executive
Mr.Soraphong Siriphan
Senior Executive Vice President – Satellite and Network,
National Telecom Public Company Limited
Q: What satellite communication services does NT offer?
NT’s satellite communication services can be divided into 3-4 main categories:
- Satellite Broadcasting: We provide live satellite signal linking for important events, news, and sports competitions from around the world. This includes events like the Olympics, SEA Games, Asian Games, World Cup, Thai League, and APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. We support both uplink and downlink television signal services for TV stations and event rights holders, both domestically and internationally. We also offer Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) vehicles for wider-range live broadcasting capabilities.
- Satellite Broadband: We currently offer iPSTAR and Globesat (VSAT) services. These provide satellite broadband internet for organizations in both public and private sectors that need internet communication and data transfer without geographical limitations. Our main customers include oil rigs, schools or hospitals, and border patrol police in remote areas.
- Maritime Services: We offer telecommunication systems (voice and data) and GPS tracking via Inmarsat satellite, focusing on customers in ocean waters such as fishing boats, passenger ships, and cargo ships. This service is necessary to comply with international laws requiring precise ship tracking.
- Satellite Transponder: We provide satellite channel services using geostationary (GEO) satellites. NT has been granted a concession to manage assets of the domestic communication satellite project, including Thaicom 4 and Thaicom 6. We also have a license to use AsiaSat 5, a foreign satellite, for occasional use in broadcasting global events.
Additionally, we have Satellite Facilities services. NT operates three ground satellite stations in Nonthaburi, Sriracha, and Sirindhorn, offering Gateway and Ground Station services with 24/7 staff support.
Q: What about future directions for NT’s satellite communication business?
NT is well-prepared in terms of infrastructure and satellites. We recently won the bid for the 126E orbital slot for a GEO satellite, and we’re in the process of satellite production based on customer needs.
We’re also focusing on the Space Economy. NT has the potential and aims to provide Ground Segment as a Services (GSaaS) in the future. We’re currently partnering with OneWeb for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband services, with our gateway located at the Sirindhorn Satellite Station. This covers not only Thailand but also the CLMV region in Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, our satellite communication services are positioned to efficiently generate sustainable revenue for NT. With our existing capabilities and future plans, we’re set to play a significant role in the evolving space and satellite communication landscape.
