The country's first commercial satellite Bangabandhu-1 has completed its in-orbit test (IOT), thus passing a crucial step towards full-scale operation.
Officials said the geostationary satellite completed the IOT on Sunday, more than two weeks after the satellite reached its orbital slot.
"We're now analysing the data coming from the IOT. Everything looks apparently fine with the satellite," said project director Md Mesbahuzzaman.
"We're hopeful about launching full-scale commercial operation by September," he told the FE.
Earlier, the orbiter had reached its allotted slot of 119.1° east longitude on May 22.
The Tk 30-billion satellite was formally launched from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA, on May 12.
People familiar with the development said the government is planning to hold a formal inaugural event in the capital on June 24 to celebrate the launch of the satellite.
The event will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, said Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company managing director Md Saiful Islam.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the event, added Mr Islam who is also an additional secretary of Posts and Telecommunications Division.
Experts said that apart from the national prestige, the satellite will benefit the country economically.
Bangladesh currently meets its satellite connectivity needs through renting bandwidth from foreign operators at $14 million annually.
However, once Bangabandhu-1 becomes fully operational, it is expected to help save huge foreign currencies, officials said.
Apart from meeting the domestic demand, it will be able to provide services to foreign TV channels and audiences, thereby earn foreign currencies.
Bangabandhu-1 satellite with a capacity of 1,600 megahertz has 40 transponders.
The government is planning to rent half the transponders to the local TV stations and the rest to the overseas channels.
Mr Islam said, "We're planning to rent bandwidth to Indonesia and the Philippines. We'll recruit a marketing agency for the purpose."
On October 21, 2015, the Cabinet Committee on Purchase approved a project to buy the satellite system.
Later, state-run Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission signed a Tk 20-billion deal with France-based Thales Alenia Space for the satellite project.
On September 9, 2016, a 157-million-euro deal was signed with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) for financing the project.
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