Oman to order comms satellite
June 30, 2021
By Chris Forrester
Oman’s Space Communication Technologies (SCT) has issued a tender invitation for the design, manufacture and launch of a communications satellite, OmanSat-1.
The tender invitation states: “The company’s operational plan is based on the procurement of a High Throughput Satellite (HTS) (OmanSat-1) and associated services, providing coverage of the Sultanate’s entire territory, its economic waters, and associated external markets. The satellite is required to be operational by 2024. SCT, therefore, invites satellite vendors to submit technical and commercial proposals for the provision of the above services in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the tender documents.”
Closing date for potential bidders to buy the tender specification is July 15th while the actual bids are due by September 21st.
The tender invitation follows on from the advice from consultants last summer. At the time the basic requirement was said to be for a Ka-band High Throughput Satellite (HTS) that could provide Oman’s satellite communications needs throughout the country and its economic waters, and will provide satellite broadband among several other services. The satellite will utilise the Al Amerat teleport located outside of the Omani capital city Muscat.
The successful bidder would be expected to secure the necessary orbital slot/s for the satellite and carry out due diligence tasks for the programme. The consultancy was also required to carry out a business case study for SCT as well as develop the requirements definition for the satellite. The winner of the bid will then help organise and oversee the request for proposals (RFP) from international satellite manufacturers. There is also an option for the bid winner to carry out programme monitoring services for SCT.
Oman is committed to the ITU’s “Connect 2030” programme to bridge the digital divide and harness information and communications technology in support of sustainable development plans,