Satellite Launching May Affect Communication Tariffs in Azerbaijan – Communication Ministry

Azerbaijan, Baku, 22 April / Trend / "Launching of its own communication satellite by Azerbaijan (AzerSat) may cause drop in the prices of communication services in the country," Elmir Valizade, Deputy Minister for Communications & IT, said.

"At the same time, the satellite will enable improvement of communication as well as internet service quality," he said.

According to Valizade, AzerSat project will also prevent Azerbaijan dependence on other communication satellites and will enable introduction of high-speed internet and multimedia services in the country.

The Communications & IT Ministry has been holding researches on implementation of project for a year. The work is being carried out in two directions - negotiations on receiving orbital position and studying the proposals for preparation of the satellite. The satellite manufacturing may take at least 24 months.

"If a final decision is taken this year, the satellite will be launched in 2010," the Deputy Minister said.

Initially, the project will be financed through the State funds. Some 25% to 30% resources of the satellite will be used by Azerbaijan; the other part will be sold to countries that the satellite covers. The cost of the AzerSat project will amount to $80-$100mln. The satellite will cover Europe and part of Asia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.