Thailand-based satellite company, Thaicom, is planning to launch two satellites - the AFRICOM and AFRICOM-1 - in Africa early next year.

According to online publication, ScreenAfrica, the new satellites are expected to provide satellite services on the continent, including direct-to-home TV, digital TV and modern telecommunication services.

And broadcasters and telecom operators could also have access to full range of end-to-end satellite communication services via the satellites’ high-power C-band beams.

Suphajee Suthumpun, chairman of the executive committee and chief executive officer said, “The launch of AFRICOM by Thaicom is a strategic move by the company as we expand our services to regions beyond Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”

“We see a lot of potential in the African satellite market, and we bring with us 20 years of experience in providing high-quality satellite services and solutions,” he added.

Thaicom presently carries more than 450 TV channels on its platform at 78.5 degrees East, the same orbital slot from where Africom-1 will provide service to the African continent.