With the cooperation of satellite companies from Russia, China and Japan, Myanmar is to have her own satellite worth about US$ 200 million into orbit, Union Deputy Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U Tint Lwin was quoted as saying at the opening ceremony of Mobile Networking and Installation Course No. 2/2011 and Basic Logistics Course No 01/11/12. Under the plan to install 30 million new mobile phone units within five years, arrangements are under way to launch the state-owned satellite into the space.
Efforts are being made to install four million mobile phone lines within the current fiscal year.
Myanmar currently has to rely on satellite systems of other countries spending about US$ 15 million each year.
“There are a lot of new projects to be implemented in 2011 by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, including the installation of 30 million new mobile phone lines and launching a state-owned satellite. For that matter, human resources are essential. We are discussing the deal with satellite companies from Russia, China and Japan. As we do not have our own satellite, we have to pay about US$ 15 million for the Skynet satellite TV channels and other communication purposes. Launching our own satellite will cost only US$ 200 million. The answer is clear whether to pay that money to others or to launch our own satellite,” the union deputy minister added.
“US$ 15 million is just for the use of current applications. It would cost between US$ 20 to 30 million when other expansion plans including new satellite TV channels of Shwe Thanlwin and new projects of the MPT, Yatanaporn, Myawady and the MRTV are implemented,” the union deputy minister concluded.
The state-owned satellite will be used for communications and telecasting services, according to a responsible official from the MPT.
No comments:
Post a Comment