Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it was selected to provide a satellite to PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI), the oldest and most profitable bank in Indonesia.
The SSL-built satellite will make BRI the first bank in the world to launch a communications satellite, and will provide a dedicated platform for banking connection services for the people of Indonesia.

BRIsat is a C-band and Ku-band satellite that will be positioned at 150.5 degrees East longitude with coverage of South East Asia and Indonesia. It will help BRI provide secure banking communications for its over 9,800 branches, over 100,000 electronic channel outlets and over 50 million customers across Indonesia.

“SSL is pleased to partner with BRI on its first satellite,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “It is an honour to work with this venerable institution that has done so much to serve the people of Indonesia and to strengthen its economy.”

BRIsat is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. Scheduled for launch in 2016, it will provide service for 15 years or longer.

“BRI selected SSL, the leading communications satellite manufacturer in the world, because of their reputation for quality, heritage and reliability,” said BRI President Director Sofyan Basir. “Because over 50 million Indonesian customers count on BRI for their financial needs, the success of the BRIsat satellite project is our highest priority. We look forward to working with SSL on the successful initiation and delivery of our first satellite.”

In addition to the BRIsat satellite, SSL will provide a complete ground system, which includes two satellite control facilities, as well as training, and launch support services.

About BRI

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) is one of the largest state-owned banks in Indonesia. BRI went to public through Initial Public Offering in 2003 and became one of the blue chip stock traded in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The Indonesian Government still keeps the majority share of 56.75%. For more detail, visit www.bri.co.id.

About SSL

SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As a leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MDA”.

Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com