SET-listed Thaicom is rolling out a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-linked solution that can provide safety for sea travellers, starting in Phuket, marking its first project to capitalise on the power of LEO satellites.
The project is a collaboration with its business partner Globalstar, an American LEO satellite operator.
Under the collaboration, Thaicom will provide Internet of Things (IoT) solutions powered by LEO satellites to improve the safety of tourists at sea.
Devices will be attached to life vests of travellers and they will trigger an alarm when accidents happen, such as when tourists accidently fall into the water.
The devices can indicate the whereabouts of travellers in trouble through a signal sent to rescue officials automatically.
Tourists can also press a button on the devices to seek help from officials.
The devices can also be used to support maritime industries, the firm said.
"Thaicom and Globalstar realise the importance of tourist safety and are ready to support the country's reopening. The services will start in Phuket and gradually expand to other provinces," said Thaicom chief executive Patompob Suwansiri.
"This is a crucial step for Thaicom's satellite business development through partnership, which will enable us to explore new markets."
LEO satellites operate 500-2,000 kilometres from Earth's surface, while traditional communication satellites, also known as geostationary satellites, are higher up at around 36,000km.
The lower orbit means lower latency in signal transmission.
In March, Thaicom signed a partnership deal with Globalstar, a leading provider of satellite IoT solutions and mobile satellite services through its 50 LEO satellites.
The deal marks the first commercial partnership in the LEO satellite business for Thaicom.
The agreement sees Globalstar hire Thaicom to develop, equip and operate ground station facilities in Thaicom's Teleport Centre in Pathum Thani for Globalstar's LEO satellite constellation.
The infrastructure and services of the ground station will enable the deployment of commercial LEO satellite services by Globalstar in the region, according to Thaicom.
The deal also makes Thaicom the exclusive partner to distribute services of Globalstar's LEO satellites in Thailand.
The deal is part of Thaicom's push to explore new income sources after its concession to operate Thaicom 4 and 6 satellites expired in September last year.
