Closing the digital divide for Bangladesh, with the Bangabandhu 1 satellite

Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country in the world, with over 160 million inhabitants, and has unfortunately been associated more with humanitarian or environmental concerns than with advanced technological performances. Until now.

Strong economic growth since the beginning of the century has enabled this young state to accelerate into the digital age. Today, Bangladesh is set to provide its people with services commensurate with their economic and social needs, particularly in the field of telecommunications.

Connecting schools across the country

The Bangabandhu 1 satellite is undoubtedly the most impressive symbol of this evolution and it has understandably been the object of strong administrational and emotional investment from the Bangladeshi authorities, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Fitted with 26 Ku-Band and 14 C-Band transponders, Bangabandhu 1 will form part of a vast telecommunication system, connected to a state-of-the-art ground infrastructure. Not only public administration, but also schools will be connected, plus jobs created, as Bangladesh’s digital divide becomes a thing of the past.

A major contribution to social and economic development

"We feel very honoured, at Thales Alenia Space, to contribute to this project," says Gilles Obadia, Program Manager for the Satellite Telecom System Bangabandhu-1. In fact, Thales Alenia Space's in-orbit delivery contract means the company is overseeing everything from the manufacturing of the satellite to its launch and the training of operators for the Thales-built ground stations.

Launched on May 11th, Bangabandhu is a splendid achievement and a great source of pride, both for Bangladesh and the teams of Thales Alenia Space. Together they make a major contribution to human development, bridging the digital divide in what is now already the third largest economy in South Asia.