Kazakhstan's Orbita Plyus and Thuraya Satellite have signed an agreement on providing satellite telecommunications to Kazakhstan, the companies told Interfax-Kazakhstan.
The agreement is part of a project for providing Thuraya satellite communications to 99 countries in Europe, North and Central Africa, the Near East and India.
The total cost of the project is in excess of $1 billion. As one of the largest zones, (2.725 million square kilometers) Kazakhstan will carry, 5-7% of the project, the companies said.
The project is based on the Thuraya-1 geostationary satellite, launched October 21, 2000. The satellite covers more than 40% of the Eurasian landmass.
A contract with Hughes Space Communications International, the satellite supplier, includes a Thuraya-2 satellite for doubling and extending the coverage zone.
The project is to launch at the beginning of 2001. Thuraya will provide 100% coverage of the territory of Kazakhstan.
Orbita Plyus has exclusive rights to distribute and sell TSTC products and services in Kazakhstan.
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