21 May 2011

SingTel second satellite, ST-2 was successfully launched into orbit following an impressive lift-off from Kourou, French Guiana.

At 4.38am Singapore time, the Ariane 5 ECA rocket rose from its launch pad,

safely entering transfer orbit 250 km above the earth. Separation from the rocket occurred 27 minutes after lift-off.

“This is an exciting milestone for SingTel and Singapore,” said Ms Chua Sock

Koong, Group CEO, SingTel. “Satellite services play an important role in

SingTel's overall vision for the Corporate Business market, enabling us to lead

and shape key markets such as the Maritime, Oil & Gas, Media & Broadcast and Logistics industries.

“ST-2 will enhance our ability to offer businesses such as shipping companies

and DTH operators a one-stop ICT experience that will empower them to stay

ahead of the competition.”

Meeting increasing customer demand ST-2 – which is almost twice as powerful as ST-1, SingTel’s first satellite – will help the company to meet growing customer demand for fixed and mobile satellite services. ST-1, which was launched in 1998, will initially complement, and later be replaced by ST-2. The new satellite, which was built by Melco, is a joint venture between SingTel and Chunghwa Telecom and will provide 20 per cent more transponder capacity and a wider coverage footprint than ST-1. SingTel has approximately 62 per cent share in the joint venture, while Chunghwa Telecom owns the remaining 38 per cent.

ST-2 will have a wide-ranging footprint of C-band and Ku-band coverage that will cover the Middle East, Central Asia, Indian sub-continent and South East Asia.

Apart from its high powered beams, it will also offer excellent switching

capabilities to provide flexibility in meeting the demand that is required by

different regions.

“Satellite services make it possible for us to reach our customers ranging from

those in cities to those in remote locations with limited communications

infrastructure. They enable us and our clients to improve people’s lives by closing the digital gaps of rural and isolated communities; changing the way seafarers live, learn and work; and bring modern financial services like credit card and ATM transactions to remote sites with no fibre infrastructure,” Ms Chua said.