DHAKA: Bangabandhu Satellite-1, the first communication satellite of Bangladesh, has launched its commercial service through operational test of broadcasting of the country's television channels.

An inaugural ceremony of the service as well as the launching anniversary was held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Sunday (May 19).

Jamuna TV, Somoy TV, DeeptoTV, Bijoy TV, Bangla TV and My TV and Sonali Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to take service of the satellite.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar, State Minister for Information and Communications Technology Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak were present at the function.

Mustafa Jabbar said, “No issues have been detected in the satellite so far, which could be the subject of discussion. Our sons are operating it.”

Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “Now TV channels can broadcast through Bangabandhu satellite at a reasonable price and banks can provide banking services.” 

The BS-I was successfully launched from Florida of United States on May 11.

Bangabandhu-I reached the desired orbital position 10 days after of its launch from Florida

Bangabandhu-1 satellite began its operational test with the broadcast of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship without any technical issues on September 4.

The total expenditure on Bangabandhu satellite was about Tk 2,765 crore. Bangladesh government financed Tk 1000 crore while the rest is provided by foreign aids.

BDST:  2133 HRS, MAY 19, 2019

AH