Afghanistan signs first satellite deal
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 10 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan signs first satellite deal, 10 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a138a411.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 10, 2014
Afghanistan on May 10 started using its first ever satellite, AFGHANSAT 1, which will support a wide range of services, including broadcasting, telecommunications, and international connectivity.
The Afghan government has signed a contract with European satellite operator, Eutelsat to deploy the in-orbit satellite.
Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Amirzai Sangin said it was a "historic move" to boost Afghanistan's national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure.
Sangin said Kabul is renting the satellite for $4 million a year and expects to earn $15 million annually from it.
The telecommunication sector and a growing digital media industry are among Afghanistan's biggest achievements since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.
Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
