BTRC signs accord with US based, Space Partnership International (SPI)

March 30, 2012

Space Partnership International (SPI) announces the official signing of an exclusive contract to provide consultancy services to the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for the launching of the country's first communications satellite -- Bangabandhu.

The contract, which was signed in Dhaka by Major General Zia Ahmed, psc (retd.) Chairman of the BTRC and Bruce D. Kraselsky, a Managing Director of SPI, is a critical step in the national objective to launch the Bangabandhu satellite system.

Signing of the three year, multi-discipline contract illustrates SPI's broad range of capabilities to assist governments and commercial entities in the development and implementation of complex satellite businesses. SPI has been involved in various aspects of satellite construction and launch as well as business development for over 80 programs internationally. Its team of experts, including its long-term strategic partner RKF Engineering, have led the design and construction oversight of numerous complex satellite space stations, ground equipment networks and user terminals.

SPI's Managing Director, Bruce Kraselsky stated: "We are honored to have been selected from an impressive international field of qualified organizations to assist Bangladesh in the development of the Bangahandu satellite system which will complement its terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure as well as expand its telecommunications capabilities throughout the region and fill the gap in the Digital Divide."

Major General Zia Ahmed, psc (retd.) Chairman of the BTRC, remarked: "The Bangabandhu Satellite system represents an opportunity to provide advanced communications and broadcasting access including; high speed Internet, direct-to-home broadcast satellite services and corporate communications for the citizens of Bangladesh, and the region in a cost-effective manner. The satellite will be a revenue source for Bangladesh, from use by other nations in the region. This partnership demonstrates a key step in Bangladesh's commitment to increasing economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Bangladeshi citizens through communications, that can reach any part of the country to deliver e-Learning, Telemedicine, Banking, Border Security and more".