Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has formulated the development project proforma (DPP) for first satellite ‘Bangabandhu’ keeping a provision for its development under public-private partnership arrangement.
Sunil Kanti Bose, Chairman of the regulatory body, told bdnews24.com on Wednesday that the DPP would be sent to the Ministry of Telecommunications on Thursday for approval.
Once approved, the DPP would be sent to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final endorsement, he added.
Bose said they already prepared documents to float international tender for developing the main component of the satellite. “Tenders would be invited after getting the ECNEC go-ahead.”
He said the satellite development and launch would require a fund of Tk 30 to 40 billion, which would be a big amount for the government. “So, a provision of public-private partnership has been kept.”
BTRC signed an agreement with American consulting firm Space Partnership International (SPI) on Mar 29 last year for developing and launching the satellite into space by 2015 to open a new era in communication and broadcasting for Bangladesh.
The BTRC Chairman noted that SPI would provide all assistances for the satellite, which will have a 15-year life span.
The regulatory body will float four international tenders for the satellite’s manufacturing, launch vehicle, ground control station and insurance.
During the deal-signing with SPI, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju had announced that the country would launch satellite in three years.
The consulting firm, which would to be paid Tk 870 million in fee, is working to assess the market, process of marketing and prospect of the satellite.
In February last year, a project office was set up on the fourth floor of BTRC building at Ramna where consultants are working. BTRC Deputy Director Golam Razzaq was made the Project Director.
Currently all television channels, internet service providers, V- SATs and radio stations are using foreign satellites to run their activities.
According to BTRC, each television station pays about $0.2 million annually for using the satellites.
The telecom watchdog thinks that launch of a satellite would not only cut spending but also earn Bangladesh foreign exchange.
Source: Bd news24
