THAICOM books first customer for THAICOM 6

                                                                                                                          

September 9, 2011.

 

In a collaborative move to create greater business synergies and boost Thailand's satellite television industry, THAICOM Public Company Limited (Set Index: THCOM) today signed a multi-million Baht transponder leasing contract for THAICOM 5 and the first transponder reservation agreement for THAICOM 6 with PSI Holding Company Limited (PSI).  The contract will see PSI providing satellite television channels via THAICOM 5's Ku-Band to owners of PSI satellite dishes during the first phase, while in the second phase PSI will expand its services through 1 C-band and 1 Ku-band transponder on THAICOM 6.

 

The contract signed today with Thailand's largest satellite dish manufacturer and distributor will also reconfirm THAICOM 5's status as a 'hotbird', and lay the groundwork for THAICOM 6 as another successful satellite project.  With more than 7 million customers throughout the country, PSI will be able to provide more than 80 television channels to viewers immediately, including 2 high quality channels being sourced by PSI from content providers.

 

Mr. Somporn Theerarojpong, Chief Executive Officer of PSI Holding Co., Ltd., said “the company has been in the satellite dish distribution business for more than 20 years and has distributed more than 7 million units throughout the country. We foresee strong growth in the satellite TV segment, and it is our intention to expand our services to include the provision of satellite television channels to our customers.  We recognize that THAICOM's satellites are in high demand, and feel that THAICOM 5 and THAICOM 6 will provide us with the right platforms to expand our services.”

 

Mr. Makin Patplai, Senior Vice President of THAICOM Plc., said “we are pleased to have signed this agreement with PSI today, as it reaffirms our strategy of operating our satellite business as an 'open platform' accessible to all service providers.  By signing this contract, PSI will provide the impetus for other players to come on board and grow the satellite broadcasting business segment in Thailand.  What's more, PSI's advance booking of 2 transponders on THAICOM 6 is a good indicator of the type of demand for the satellite once it is launched in 2013.”

 

PSI's platform on THAICOM 5 will consist of more than 80 television channels including knowledge and entertainment channels. The company stresses, however, that it will adhere to providing these channels free of charge to its customers who purchase the PSI satellite dishes.   PSI's Ku-band satellite dishes with a diameter of only 60cm will be retailed at less than Baht1,000.

 

The contract was signed by Mr. Somporn Theerarojpong, Chief Executive Officer of PSI Holding Co., Ltd., and Mr. Makin Petplai, Senior Vice President of THAICOM Plc., at the Swissotel Le Concorde Hotel, Bangkok.