Shin Satellite denies claims of bugging

Method not currently possible in Thailand

SRISAMORN PHOOSUPHANUSORN

Shin Satellite Plc has denied the interim government's allegations of phone bugging via satellite, saying it does not have the technology to facilitate such an act. However, tapping of satellite phones could be possible if a device was installed in the equipment of both the sender and the receiver, said Shin Satellite president Nongluck Phinainitisart.

Dr Nongluck yesterday clarified how satellite-controlled operations worked, and denied any knowledge of spying.

''In practice, tapping conversations from a satellite needs a large satellite dish launched in orbit to tap the signal between the sender and the receiver. But it's still very difficult to pinpoint exact signals,'' she said.

Dr Nongluck reiterated that Shin Satellite had never bugged communications, as such an action would be a violation of the law and an abuse of codes of conduct. It also required the installation of eavesdropping devices, which needed a licence.

Bugging of phones via surveillance satellites, she said, could not happen in Thailand since there was no such satellite in commercial operation here. US companies that do manufacture surveillance satellites are also prohibited from exporting such technology.

Dr Nongluck said Shin Satellite simply functioned as a middleman to deliver a signal from the sender to the receiver.

She said the company provided one transponder for military use, with a 54- megabyte capacity. The Information and Communications Technology Ministry is responsible for the allocation.

Very little phone traffic is passed via the satellite because the transponder is designated for emergency use.

Shin Satellite, 41% owned by Shin Corp, has become embroiled in controversy over foreign investment in the telecoms sector.

Army leaders recently said satellite communications could be compromised due to Shin Satellite's relationship with Shin Corp, which was taken over by Singapore's Temasek Holdings last year. The two companies, as well as the Singaporean government, have categorically denied the allegations of bugging.

Meanwhile, Dr Nongluck said that Shin Satellite was considering purchasing a new satellite for launch sometime over the next few years.

''We [the company board] are discussing the possibility of investing in our sixth satellite. A conclusion on the satellite purchase is expected by the end of this year,'' she said.

She declined to specify the size and the cost of the satellite, or provide details of technology and orbital locations, but suggested it may be used for broadcasting.

''The broadcast satellite option is particularly attractive because we want to be prepared to accommodate booming demand for satellite television,'' she said.

Dr Nongluck said the company hadn't completely committed to the new satellite, but it was a strong option. A new satellite would be part of a business-expansion plan, she added.

Shin Satellite reported nine-month losses of 838.9 million baht for the period ending Sept 30, compared with profits of 1.048 billion for the same period in 2005. Losses were attributed to a 981-million-baht one-time charge for the loss of the Thaicom 3 satellite as well as higher expenses related to the iPSTAR satellite, which entered service in December 2005, and the Thaicom 5 satellite, which was launched in July 2006.

Shares of Shin Satellite (SATTEL) closed yesterday on the SET at 6.20 baht, up 15 satang, in trade worth 13.88 million baht.

Bangkok Post
Sunday January 28, 2007