ARMENIA NEEDS ABOUT 300 MLN DOLLARS TO HAVE ITS OWN SATELLITE

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2006

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. A seminar “Regional Satellite
Communication Systems: The Current State and New Systems Creation
Prospects” of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
is being held in Yerevan on April 4 with the participation of
representatives of CIS countries. The participants will discuss
issues related to the use of the orbit and radio frequency range
with respect to the radio regulations, coordination of space devices,
frequency distribution and the modern technologies and production of
satellite communication. RA Minister of Transport and Communication
Andranik Manukian told reporters that although Armenia does not have
its own satellite, it has areas for its operation. According to the
minister, about 300 mln USD is needed to have a satellite and cover
its operational costs, while Armenia lacks such an opportunity at
the moment. However, in his words, a program on a common satellite
with CIS countries with a 7% participation of Armenia is now under
discussion. It was noted that Azerbaijan has already applied to the
International Union of Electrocommunication with a request to have its
own satellite. To recap, the ITU, whose membership numbers 190 states,
is an international organization that functions within the system of
the UN and aims to coordinate the activities of various governments
and the private sector in the sphere of global telecommunication
networks and services.