VietNamNet Bridge – Operators of Vinasat-1 are facing many difficulties in doing business on Vietnam’s first telecom satellite both at home and abroad, according to a workshop of the telecom sector on Saturday in Hanoi.

Vietnam could not seek foreign clients because of the global economic downturn, the fierce competition from foreign rivals, who are more experienced and own many more satellites than Vietnam.

It is also hard to seek customers at home because potential customers have not completed their telecom projects yet. However, some clients are changing their services from using regional satellites to Vietnam’s Vinasat-1.

Over six months after the satellite was put into operation, around 30% of its capacity is now used for commercial purposes and service tests. Some large local customers like the Vietnam Television (VTV), HCM City Television (HTV), the Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV), Thaicom and MODEC have signed contracts to use Vinasat-1 services.

The satellite operators are negotiating with other partners like the digital television station VTC, Viettel, Binh Duong Province Television, SingTel, Baycom, ABTV and some others.

It is expected that 2009 will be a good year for Vinasat business and around 50-60% of the satellite capacity will be in used.

(Source: TP)