The Thai satellite operator announced the partnership at the International Telecom Union's three-day Telecom World 2006 trade show, which started yesterday in Hong Kong, where ShinSat is showcasing its satellite technology.

A system called iMove allows RaySat's array antenna to track the iPSTAR satellite signal at all times while a vehicle is moving. This provides mobile broadband services, from voice communications to video conferencing.

The two companies successfully tested the system in Thailand and will jointly market the product throughout the 14 Asia-Pacific countries in iPSTAR's footprint.

ShinSat marketing chief Patompob Suwansiri said the equipment cost about Bt2 million a car and that the main target markets were Australia and China.

"We are looking forward to marketing this product jointly with RaySat and will offer such services throughout the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

iMOVE will be initially available in Thailand, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand, then throughout the rest of the Asia-Pacific from next month.

RaySat manufactures and supplies antennae for commercial, railway and automotive industries. The antennae allow moving vehicles to receive live satellite television.

The Nation

Hong Kong