PARIS — The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) plans to purchase a Vinasat-2 satellite to be launched in 2012 and estimates that it will cost between $290 million and $350 million including launch and insurance, VNPT announced.
Vinasat-1, which is Vietnam’s first telecommunications satellite, is a Lockheed Martin A2100 model that was launched in April 2008. It carries 12 Ku-band and eight C-band transponders and operates at 132 degree east longitude.
VNPT officials have said Vinasat-1 was more than 70 percent full as of mid-2009 and that they expected it to be filled to near capacity by late 2010.
VNPT said it is considering several financing possibilities for Vinasat-2, including a sale and lease-back arrangement.
