Thaicom Expands Broadcast Platform on Thaicom-6 in Africa
Thaicom Expands Broadcast Platform on Thaicom-6 in Africa Signs deal with European content delivery specialist Mediavision to advance broadcast platform via the Thaicom-6 satellite Collaboration to deliver innovative broadcast solutions for European and international programmers to cost-effectively expand their distribution network into Sub-Saharan Africa Nonthaburi, Thailand, 14 May 2018 – Thaicom Public Company Limited (Stock Exchange of Thailand: THCOM)—a leading Asian satellite operator and provider of integrated satellite communications solutions—announced the signature of an agreement with Mediavision—a European based content delivery specialist providing end-to-end solutions to the broadcast and media industry—for the expansion of its broadcast platform in Africa. The MCPC broadcast platform is a cost-effective distribution solution, providing broadcasters in Europe direct access to Thaicom’s content distribution platform at 78.5° east, located on the Thaicom-6 satellite. European and international programmers will also gain access to Mediavision’s integrated solutions for linear and non-linear content distribution including Internet Protocol TV (IPTV). “Thaicom and Mediavision are working together to deliver innovative broadcast solutions that enable programmers to cost-effectively expand their distribution network into Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Chief Commercial Officer with Thaicom. “Thaicom launched its MCPC broadcast platform for Africa in 2016. Now we will be able to provide European and international programmers with immediate access to the African market and TV households. Our African C-band MCPC platform on Thaicom-6 is ideal for broadcasters to enter the African market.” “Our partnership with Thaicom provides European broadcasters with an integrated, end-to-end solution for content distribution via the Thaicom-6 satellite,” said Petrit Bhatijari, Chief Executive Officer with Mediavison. “The Thaicom MCPC platform on Thaicom-6 will enable European programmers who target Africa to develop their content distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa.” Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo and Thales, will provide uplink services for the platform from its teleport facility in Fucino, Italy. Fucino, with its 170 antennas and 370,000 square metres, it is recognized as the first and most important teleport in the world for civilian use. Broadcasters will be able to contribute standard (SD) and high definition (HD) content from Europe to Africa via Telespazio’s Fucino facility and the Thaicom-6 satellite.
About THAICOM THAICOM Public Company Limited, a leading Asian satellite operator, was established in 1991. The Company was the first to launch a broadband satellite in the world, and is a leader in developing integrated solutions for satellite broadband and broadcast services. The Company’s engineering teams provide leading-edge innovative solutions for satellite-based telecommunications services. Since its
Thaicom Public Company Limited 63/21 Rattanathibet Road, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand Websites: www.thaicom.net, www.ipstar.com
establishment the Company has launched eight satellites, with five satellites in operation: THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) provides a variety of broadband and data services, including cellular backhaul, mobility, government USO support, content delivery, business continuity and emergency services in thirteen countries in Asia Pacific. THAICOM 6 is to expand the Company’s broadcast carrying capacity in SE Asia and Africa (by the name “AFRICOM 1”) and is collocated with THAICOM 5 and THAICOM 8 at 78.5 degrees East. THAICOM 7 was launched in September 2014 to provide media & data services for Asia’s and Australasia’s entertainment and telecom industries at 120 degrees East. THAICOM 8 was launched in May 2016 to expand Thaicom’s servicing capacity and footprint in the region. Thaicom is traded on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the trade symbol “THCOM”.