Space Systems Loral (SSL) has announced that it was selected to provide a communications satellite to PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, the largest telecommunication and network provider in Indonesia.

SSL was informed last week that it is the winner of the procurement of the TELKOM-4 satellite, which will be used for fixed satellite services in Indonesia, India, and Southeast Asia.

"Satellite services are particularly important in regions such as Indonesia where the population is spread over thousands of islands," said John Celli, president of SSL.

"For SSL, this is the third satellite for Indonesia that we will add to our backlog and we are honored to play such an important role in expanding the telecommunications infrastructure for the nation and the region."

"Because our country consists of thousands of islands, Indonesia needs satellite technology," said Alex J Sinaga, president director and chief operating officer of Telkom.

"Satellite complements our other technologies, such as submarine cable, as the backbone that connects the islands of Indonesia."

The satellite will be based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.