UK Firm to Initiate Satellite Internet Services From New Thai Station

The National Telecom Co Ltd, a state-owned enterprise, has finished building a new low earth orbit (LEO) satellite station for OneWeb, a transnational satellite internet provider.

The facility, located at the Sirindhorn station in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, is ready for operation, and OneWeb plans to start offering its satellite broadband services in the region during the second quarter of this year, announced NT’s Managing Director Col Sanphachai Huvanandana.

Previously, construction was postponed due to an initial rejection from Thailand's broadcasting regulator, causing OneWeb to delay its service launch in Southeast Asia by one year.

The OneWeb facility spans 40,000 square meters and is referred to as the OneWeb Satellite Network Portal Site House Services. It will function as one among over 40 such global stations. With 428 satellites already in space and plans to launch the remaining 220 by the end of the year, OneWeb aims to provide global broadband coverage.

Additionally, National Telecom has secured rights to manage a satellite orbit at the 126E position, enhancing connectivity across Asia Pacific and the South China Sea for 9.076 million baht.

Furthermore, they are assisting in preserving Thailand's rights to a 119.5E satellite orbit, which offers 400 Mbps bandwidth, and is awaiting assignment from the regulator to a suitable government entity.