Afghanistan to Launch its First Space Satellite

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Afghanistan's first ever space satellite will be installed within the next six months, according to Afghan Minister of Communication and Information Technology Amir Zai Sangin.

Sangin stressed at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday that the new satellite would give Afghanistan a greater connection to the world.

It will also enable production of digital broadcasting for Afghan media - a government priority, he added.

"We will start the installation process of the satellite very soon. It's our priority to solve broadcasting issues and bring all our districts under coverage," Sangin said.

He emphasised that the country was facing a shortage of frequencies for TV stations, but the new satellite would help resolve the problem once digital broadcasting was introduced.

The position of the satellite, expected to be in orbit within six months, will be 50 degrees East.

Meanwhile, Afghan internet providers will be issued ‘Wimax' licenses, Sangin said, adding that it would give Afghans access to faster internet services.

"By distributing Wimax and 3G licenses, the problem of slow internet connections will be tackled," he told reporters.