Satellite and space company mu Space will soon be offering satellite services to governments, telcos and businesses outside of Thailand.
The company recently was granted with the rights to use the spectrum at the 50.5 degree East orbital position. The spectrum, upon the launch of mu Space’s satellite, will be used over Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
The spectrum was previously operated by New Skies Satellites (NSS), a wholly-owned Dutch affiliate of SES, the world’s leading satellite operator. mu Space plans to lease the spectrum for a 15-year time period, with the option to extend for another 15 years.
CEO and founder James Yenbamroong said: “There is growing consumer base for broadband and mobile services on the ASEAN region, and we’re ready to offer our services. The market is transitioning towards more digital applications, 5G and IoT, and satellite could play a key role on enabling wider service coverage.”
According to World Bank, the total population of Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand is 269 million. Of that figure, 42% or 113 million are Internet users. Mobile subscription is at 359 million, far exceeding the combined population size of the six countries. And currently, Thailand has registered 120 million mobile subscribers, a figure that is nearly double the country’s 69 million population. Although mobile subscription is high, internet penetration is not increasing at a fast pace, with only 48% or about 33 million Thais have access to the internet.
To support the demand, James said the company is working on innovative satellite services and taking the initiative to develop IoT products with the end users in mind.”
In October 2017, mu Space had partnered with SES to deliver satellite-based broadband and mobile services to rural communities in Thailand. Under the agreement, mu Space will contract satellite capacity on SES-8 and SES-12.
“We’re ready anytime to roll out the service in Thailand. We’re just waiting for the final approval from the government,” James said.
“I believe we will get the go-ahead soon as mu Space leads in the satellite and space industry in the region. Securing the 50.5 degree East orbital slot for Thailand is important not only to us, but also a top government priority as the satellite network filing for the orbital slot ends in August this year,” James added.
mu Space is Thailand’s first space technology startup to operate a satellite service after the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission awarded a license for the company. The 15-year license covers the operation of a satellite and provision of satellite-based services until 2032.
