NBTC hands key orbital slots to Thaicom

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board has awarded the right to use the 51°E and 142°E orbital slots to two Thaicom subsidiaries.

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

The regulator asked them to pay 0.25% of revenue for the right to the slots.

NBTC commissioner Somphop Purivigraipong said the board passed the resolution on April 24 to grant the 51°E orbital slot to TC 51, and the 142°E orbital slot to TC 42.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said yesterday the NBTC may have a good reason to award these rights to the companies, chiefly to avoid losing the country’s right to use these orbits.

Late last year the NBTC sold the rights to use three orbital slots, comprising 50.5°E, 51°E and 142°E.