Thai satellite operator Thaicom is in dispute with Thailand’s Information & Communications Ministry and the National Broadcasting & Telecommunications Commission over licensing fees for the in-orbit Thaicom-8 satellite, and the upcoming Thaicom-8 craft.

Thaicom, in essence, says the two satellites do not operate under the ministries concessions rules, and consequently should not pay a fee, or should pay a lower fee.

However, to minimise delays and potential legal problems Thaicom has decided to pay up and thus secure the orbital position and operate assigned frequencies. Thaicom will pay a yet to be determined fee retrospectively in regard to Thaicom-7, as well as the fee for Thaicom-8.

The satellite is due to launch towards the end of May, aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. It carries 24 transponders and operate over South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa from 78.5 degrees East.

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Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite