All local channels set to use Bangabandhu Satellite-1

All local television channels are set to start commercial transmission through Bangabandhu Satellite-1 from October 2 this year. 

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally inaugurate the operation," said Dr Shahjahan Mahmood, chairman of Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Ltd which controls the satellite from the ground stations, its marketing, and sales services.  

Bangabandhu Satellite-1, the communications and broadcasting satellite of Bangladesh was launched on May 11, 2018. 

At present, six of the 30 private channels and the four state-owned stations are using this satellite to broadcast their programmes. 

The satellite company provides satellite telecommunication services like direct-to-home (DTH), very small aperture terminal (VSAT), video distribution and broadband etc.

Previously, all TV channels of Bangladesh used to operate their activities using Hong Kong-based Star Alliance's satellite before the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1. But they are not renewing their contracts with Star Alliance anymore.

TV channel owners are going to be benefited as they can use the satellite for a lower cost compared to the current costs using Start Alliance's service, said Mahmood. 

Sources said that currently, Bangladeshi TV channels pay Tk3.40 lakh to Tk4.25 lakh per megahertz of the spectrum a month. 

The Bangladeshi satellite company is offering their services for Tk1.57 lakh per megahertz a month, down from their regular rate of Tk1.95 lakh, to grab the market. 

According to Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company, 40 percent of the capacity of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will be used by the TV channels and the rest will be allotted for neighbouring countries.