Thaicom and Russian Satellite Communications Company Enter Into Partnership Agreement
Thaicom Public Company Limited (THCOM), Thailand’s first satellite operator, today announced the signature of an Agreement of Intention with Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC), a Russian leading satellite operator, to collaborate on the joint development of a service offering for maritime satellite broadband connectivity.
According to the framework of the agreement, Thaicom and RSCC will initially study roaming options on their proprietary maritime VSAT networks. Roaming on Thaicom’s network will be provided by Nava Roaming Solutions. Nava is Thaicom’s new maritime broadband service platform, addressing the need of ship and offshore operators for fast, reliable, and secure satellite-enabled broadband connectivity and managed services. RSCC maritime VSAT network is the largest satellite broadband network in Russia connecting more than 300 maritime vessels floating in the seas and oceans surrounding Russia and Europe.
Patompob Suwansiri, Chief Commercial Officer of Thaicom, commented: “We intend the agreement to mark the beginning of a successful, long-term partnership between Thaicom and RSCC and the development of joint communication solutions connecting Russia with Asia-Pacific. This collaboration will leverage the capabilities of Thai and Russian marine VSAT networks. The Nava roaming solutions enabled satellite network will provide seamless switching of onboard equipment from one satellite network to the other without degradation of service level agreements provided. Customers will benefit from full high speed broadband coverage of maritime vessel routes between Europe and Asia-Pacific.”
Ksenia Drozdova, Deputy Director General, of Russian Satellite Communications Company, said: “We are pleased to partner with Thaicom in order to expand our satellite reach and jointly offer reliable and secure maritime satellite broadband connectivity. We intend to use our combined vast technical knowledge and business know-how to address the worldwide increasing demand of broadband connectivity at sea for improved ship operations and crew welfare in Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Russian Far East.”
About THAICOM
Thaicom is a leading Asian satellite operator and end-to-end service provider of satellite enabled communications since 1991. Combining nearly 30 years of experience in providing cost-effective satellite communications with a presence in 10 countries in Asia-Pacific and deep local knowledge, Thaicom is a partner of choice for many of the region’s leading broadcasters, telecom, corporate and government customers. Thaicom’s video and data platforms offer a portfolio of integrated satellite communications that fuel the demand of these customers to connect and grow their markets in the digital era. Thaicom is a true innovator and satellite industry pioneer: with IPSTAR, Thaicom was the first operator in the world to develop and launch a High Throughput Satellite (HTS). Thaicom currently operates a fleet of 5 high performance satellites covering Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
About Nava
Nava® is Thaicom’s maritime broadband service platform for ship and offshore operators—available from Thaicom as a single, end-to-end communications solutions provider. With Nava, Thaicom brings reliable broadband connectivity to the sea which is essential to connect crew and passengers, improve safety on board and support efficient vessel operations.
About RSCC VSAT Maritime Network
An innovative solution using modern Russian satellites of the Express-AM series based on maritime VSAT technology allows RSCC to provide a wide range of digital communication and broadcasting services on vessels of various classes and purposes. RSCC’s VSAT network covers the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, the Mediterranean, Baltic, Northern, Black, Caspian seas, the seas of Japan and Okhotsk as well as all northern seas washing Russia and Europe (including almost the entire length of the Northeast Passage). At present, more than 300 marine vessels operate in RSCC’s VSAT network.