Bangabandhu satellite starts ‘Direct-To-Home’ commercial service 19 May

Country’s first communication satellite Bangabandhu-I (BS-I) is set to start commercial service of Direct-To-Home (DTH) television on 19 May.

To this end, Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL), the operating organization of BS-I, has completed all necessary arrangements with the Beximco Communications Limited (BCL) for the DTH brand “Akash”.

Talking to BSS, BCSCL chairman Shahjahan Mahmood on Wednesday said BS-I’s DTH commercial service will start on 19 May with Akash.

“BCL has taken five transponders of BS-I dedicatedly for its DTH brand Akash for smooth and quality service,” he added.

Officials said BCL will launch the DTH brand Akash today (Thursday) at a ceremony.

BCL had earlier launched another DTH service under the brand name of “RealVU” getting connectivity from foreign satellite companies. But, it would be no more in operation after Akash hits the market.

BCL’s Head of Technology Anowarul Azim today told BSS that the new DTH brand will meet the thirst of the country’s entertainment seekers providing quality services.

“Initially, we are going to offer 115 TV stations of which 20 will be HD quality,” he said revealing the service will be available from 19 May.

Replying to a query whether Akash is new brand name of RelVU, Azim said “Akash is a totally brand new and technologically better service for Bangladeshi viewers.”

He said initially they will offer their new service in three divisions -Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet. “Akash is available in all districts of the three divisions.”

Anowarul Azim, however, said people who have RealVU connection will get discounts and incentives for taking the new services.

In 2016, BCL launched the RealVU service in different parts of Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions, but later it suspended services for different challenges. And currently, there is no authorized DTH service in the country.