Two years ago, the country’s first satellite, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 (BS-1), was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on a Falcon 9.
BSCSL chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmud told journalists that, “This year we are not celebrating the launching day due to the unwanted situation caused by COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are working on some issues to improve the TV broadcasting industry”.
Dr Mahmud said, “We have appointed consultant to expedite the launching process of the second satellite. But due to the lethal virus, the process is temporarily postponed”.
“On April 10, in collaboration with the Thai satellite series Thaicom-6, BS-1 aired BTV World’s programs in the Middle East and North Africa” he added.
Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL), tasked with operating the country’s first-ever satellite in history. The satellite contributes to bridging digital connectivity in both large cities and rural areas. Digital connectivity through it will gradually benefit people from all walks of life.
Bangabandhu Satellite-1 contributes to boosting the country’s economy by providing all citizens with a wide range of telecommunications services (direct-to-home TV, radio, telemedicine, education, and internet access).
“Earlier we had the plan to use half of the total capacity inside the country and the rest half will be rented, but now we have moved aside from such decision as there is a huge demand of satellite service inside our country”, added Dr Shahjahan.
Of the total 40 transponders of BS-1, 26 percent capacity has already been sold out. From this month, the BCSCL started earning Tk 10 crore.
As the satellite is located at the 119.1° East longitude geostationary slot, the Philippines and its neighboring countries are getting the better footprint of the satellite. To capture these countries' satellite business, the country has already established a ground station there.
Nepalese Direct to Home Service Provider Company has also shown interest to purchase the transponder of the satellite, confirmed the satellite officials.
