Afghanistan’s first satellite starts formal operation

(By Ahmadshah Ghanizada) Afghanistan’s first satellite which was deployed into the orbit earlier this year has formally started its operations.

The announcement of the formal operation of Afghansat 1 was made during a conference attended by Afghanistan’s First Vice President Mohammad Younus Qanoni.

“The launch of Afghansat1 is highly critical for Afghanistan’s future. This will bring the Afghan people closer to the world outside,” said Qanoni.

According to the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology (MCIT) of Afghanistan, the Afghansat-1 will provide digital broadcast services after its formal launch.

The satellite was deployed into the orbit by Eutelsat Communication under a multiyear agreement signed by Afghan MCIT Minister Amirzai Sangin.

Eutelsat 1 will deliver full national coverage and extensive reach of Central Asia and the Middle East, under the multi-year agreement.

The satellite will also support a wide range of services including broadcasting, mobile telephony backhaul and IP connectivity.