A new joint venture called ALTEL Digital has been formed to offer space-based connectivity using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The 51:49 joint venture was formed between Altel Group and China’s Zhejiang Geespace Technology to deliver integrated satellite and telecommunications services.
According to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, who attended the launch of ALTEL Digital, Malaysia will strengthen its presence in space technology by deploying LEO satellites. He added that spaced-based connectivity will drive Malaysia’s progress in the digital, industrial, and economic sectors.
Fahmi said ALTEL Digital’s entire infrastructure, including the ground earth station, telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) centre, and application data centre, will be operated within Malaysia to comply with national security standards. Its commercial services are expect to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the company planning to set up its satellite and communication services infrastructure in the next 24 months.
Additionally, it will offer four core services under its LEO satellite portfolio, including satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT), high-precision positioning, satellite backhaul, and satellite broadband and direct-to-cellular services. These services are expected to benefit key national sectors such as smart ports, maritime shipping, mobility, advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, smart energy, and consumer electronics.
