Lao satellite to transmit TV, radio programmes

The Department of Mass Media of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has signed an agreement with Lao Asia-Pacific Satellite Co., Ltd. to broadcast its Lao National Television Channel 1 and National Radio on AM and FM frequencies using the Lao Sat-1 satellite.
Director General of the Department of Mass Media, Mr Pinpatthana Phanthamaly, and the General Manager of Lao Asia-Pacific Satellite Co., Ltd., Mr Ding Yongbing, signed the agreement in Vientiane on Tuesday evening.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune; Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr Thansamay Kommasith; Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Savankhone Razmountry and other officials representing both sides were also present.
The agreement runs from April 1, 2020 to December 2024.
Under the agreement, Lao Sat-1 will transmit the agreed television and radio channels through the satellite station at Km52 in Nalao village, Phonhong district, Vientiane province, and a station at Km14 in Nahai village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane.
The mass media department and the satellite company have installed C-band receivers at 60 locations in villages, districts and provinces to broadcast the television and radio programmes, which will also be relayed on loudspeakers. 
Lao Sat-1 was launched into orbit in November 2015 from the Xi Chang Launch Centre in China’s Sichuan province and parked in a 128.5 E orbit slot.
The satellite underwent a two-month trial period and officially began commercial operation in March 2016.
It is equipped with 22 transponders (14 in C-band and eight in Ku-band) and provides services such as transponder leasing, telecommunications and teleports, internet, television broadcasts and emergency support.
The satellite is designed to provide communication links for government departments, television transmission and a range of telecommunication applications in Laos.
The Lao Sat-1 Joint Venture Company operates the satellite, with the shareholders being the Lao government (with a 45 percent stake) and three Chinese stakeholders.
The satellite is seen as an essential catalyst for economic development by providing internet and television programming for people in remote and mountainous regions of the country.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update May 28, 2020)