DHAKA: Bangladesh has got orbit for the Bangabandhu Satellite, which is set to be launched in December, 2017.

The opportunity has come through an agreement inked between Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and Intersputnik International organization of Space Communications at BTRC auditorium in city Thursday afternoon.

BTRC commissioner and also convener of Bangabandhu Satellite project implementation committee ATM Manirul Alam and director general of Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications Vadim Belov signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

BTRC chairman Sunil Kanti Bose said that the satellite will play a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted telecommunication system. After the launching of the satellite, the country will serve broadcasting service in the remote areas in lower cost.

Some sectors like telemedicine, e-learning, e-research, video conference, defense and disaster management system will be improved after the installation of Bangabandhu Satellite, he added.

Sunil Bose said that there will be 40 transponders in the satellite. Among them, 20 transponders will be used for the country and others will be sold.

The cost of the satellite project has been estimated at Tk 2,967 crore. The government will provide Tk 1,315 crore and the rest will be supplied by the contractor organization.

The project is expected to be implemented within June in 2017.

Higher officials of Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications were also present at the agreement signing program.

BDST: 2124 HRS, JAN 15, 2015