Vietnam’s first satellite, VINASAT-1, was launched in April 2008.

Prime Minister has agreed approved a budget of US$290-350 million to build the country’s second satellite, scheduled for completion by 2012.

It is one of three satellite orbits that the Radio Frequency Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Communications registered with the International Telecommunication Union in 2008. Under the agreement, if Vietnam fails to launch a satellite by 2012, it will lose all the registered orbits to other countries.

According to the approved plan, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunication Group will be the project investor in charge of assigning suppliers.

Vietnam’s first satellite, VINASAT-1, was launched in April 2008 to improve telecommunication services, internet connection and TV reception in the country’s most remote areas.

The $200 million satellite’s footprint extends over Southeast and East Asia, India and Hawaii. Its capacity is expected to run out this year.