Bangladesh is planning to launch its first satellite, called Bangabandhu, under an estimated $150m project to enhance its broadcasting and communications services.

A $10m consultancy deal has been signed by Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) with US-based Space Partnership International (SPI) to help build the satellite.

BTRC chairman major general, Zia Ahmed, said: "The Bangabandhu Satellite system represents an opportunity to provide advanced communications and broadcasting access including high speed Internet, direct-to-home broadcast satellite services and corporate communications for the citizens of Bangladesh and the surrounding region in a cost-effective manner."

"The satellite will be a revenue source for Bangladesh, from use by other nations in the region," Ahmed added.

"This partnership demonstrates a key step in Bangladesh’s commitment to increasing economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Bangladeshi citizens through communications, that can reach any part of the country to deliver e-Learning, Telemedicine, Banking, Border Security and more."

Under the three year deal, SPI will design the satellite, and a company will be hired to build and launch it.

The deal also comprises designing the business plan, synchronising frequency with global agencies and providing training for local personnel.

The launch of the satellite, expected to take place in 2015, will complement the country’s terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure and improve its telecommunications services, collect meteorological data related to disasters as well as map natural resources.

Bangladesh currently depends on foreign satellites for the distribution of television channels and telecommunications services at a cost of $11m for satellite bandwidth per year.