Alcatel will design and produce a new-generation broadcasting satellite, known as "Chinasat 9," for the China Satellite Communications Corp. (China Satcom).
Launching the satellite will make China Satcom the first Chinese company to provide a satellite broadcasting service in China, said an official with the Alcatel Asia-Pacific Headquarters based in Shanghai.
Some 280 million Chinese farmers will have access to state-run TV programs with "Chinasat 9" going into operation in 2006.
The "Chinasat 9" will be equipped with 22 Ku wave band relay transmitters to provide broadcasting satellite service (BSS).
The 4,500-kg satellite will have a life-span of 15 years.
"Chinasat 9" will be launched by Alcatel Space, a subsidiary of satellite giant Alcatel atop a China-made Long March carrier rocket.
Alcatel chairman Serge Tchuruk said signing of the contract forthe launch of the "Chinasat 9" marks a big step forward in Sino-Alcatel cooperation. He anticipated that China will be a great market for television broadcasting service in future.
