SingTel to launch ST-3/ABS-2 satellite in 2011

SINGAPORE — Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) [Singapore: SGX; Australia: ASX] today announced that it will invest approximately S$100 million in an agreement with satellite operator Asia Broadcast Satellite Limited (ABS) to build and launch the ST-3/ABS-2 satellite.

The satellite is targeted to be launched in late 2011 and will extend SingTel’s satellite coverage in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Mr Bill Chang, Executive Vice President of SingTel’s Business Group, said: “With the launch of ST-3/ABS-2, SingTel will enable businesses to grasp opportunities in emerging markets where communications infrastructure is often limited. The satellite will cater to the increasing demand for fixed and mobile satellite services, IP-based solutions, Maritime VSAT, as well as broadcast and Direct-to-Home (DTH) services.”

ST-3/ABS-2 will be the latest addition to SingTel’s growing fleet of satellites. In September 2008, SingTel announced a joint venture with ChungHwa Telecom to launch the ST-2 satellite in early 2011. Demand for ST-2’s services has been strong, with more than half of its capacity signed-up by customers before its launch. Much of this capacity will be used for broadcast and DTH services in Asia Pacific.

SingTel, together with its wholly owned subsidiary Optus, is Asia’s leading satellite operator outside of Japan, with over 35 years experience. It is an award-winning provider of fixed and mobile satellite services with its fleet of six satellites and access to another 30 satellites worldwide. In Singapore, SingTel has three satellite earth stations providing direct transmissions to over 80 countries.