“A true broadcast service, giving constant field strength at all times over the whole globe would be invaluable, not to say indispensable, in a world society.”
In 1945, Arthur C. Clarke wrote a piece in Wireless World magazine proposing geostationary satellite stations. 20 years later, his idea to connect through communication was made into a reality. Clarke’s expression of hope in the revelation of connectivity for its central role in developing the world and connecting mankind continues with AsiaSat’s mission in launching AsiaSat 9, our most powerful satellite yet to serve prospering markets in Asia.
Part One: AsiaSat 9 in Myanmar
In late 2017, AsiaSat will launch the world’s first dedicated Myanmar beam, bringing more power and enhanced coverage to the country and a commitment to deliver the best service to all customers. With AsiaSat 9 boasting our most powerful EIRP in C and Ku-Band so far and an excellent ‘look angle’, to not only meet the demands of industrial and business connectivity for the likes of Mining, Oil and Gas, and Banking, but also to offer entertainment in television and live sports events in the highest quality the country has seen, AsiaSat is connecting Myanmar.
Satellite technology has been fundamental in the development of Myanmar’s communication infrastructure, and with our very first satellite AsiaSat 1 launched in 1990, we provided an essential, unblemished service for the Myanmar Government to bolster infrastructure and serve its majority rural population. AsiaSat is proud to commit once again the expertise needed to bring connectivity to the people, particularly those in remote areas where long stretches of land hamper access to modern fiber networks.
With an increasingly open stance regarding international dealings, the price of technologies, from phones to SIM cards has seen a sharp drop. Acquiring a SIM card only as far back as 2010 could cost US$2,000. Today, due to the reducing costs of technology both emerging and current, and the increasing awareness of choice in the country, there continues an ever heightening demand for services that can bring the people of Myanmar more access to news and entertainment in their lives.
Not only has emerging technology affected broadcasting, but the typically cash-carried based system the country operated on is diminishing, and money can be more conveniently and safely distributed through ATMs, utilizing C-band beams from Satellites for the best reliability in data transfer.
AsiaSat 4 at 122°E is serving areas of Myanmar right now, with companies such as KBZ Gateway Company Limited utilizing our VSAT capabilities. The company is also currently using capacity on AsiaSat 7’s Ku-band, alongside other Myanmar customers including Seanet, and King Royal Technologies Co Ltd. With the increased C-band power and a customized Ku-band on AsiaSat 9, we will be positioned to serve Myanmar better, and to an expanding portfolio of customers and end users.