Visiona Tecnologia Espacial S.A. and Telebras formally recently signed a contract to supply the defense and strategic communications geostationary satellite (SGDC) system. The R$ 1.3 billion contract provides for the system to be delivered by the end of 2016. The project involves the Ministries of Communications, of Defense, and of Science and Technology. The satellite will be operated by Telebras on the K (civilian) band and by the Ministry of Defense on the X (military) band.

Visiona is a joint venture of Embraer and Telebras and will be responsible for integration the SGDC system, which will expand broadband internet access in remote regions of the country, through the National Broadband Program (PNBL) and ensure Brazil’s sovereignty over the communications of its armed forces. After the signing of the contract, Visiona will formalise the hiring of suppliers and will begin developing and integrating the system.

The selected companies are Thales Alenia Space (TAS) to supply the satellite and Ariane Space to launch the device. The contract with suppliers also provides for the transfer of technology to Brazilian companies, and that task will be supervised by the Brazilian National Space Agency (AEB).

“The SGDC system not only will meet the needs of Telebras’ National Broadband Program (PNBL) and the strategic communications of the Brazilian Armed Forces, but it is also an opportunity for Brazil to ensure the sovereignty of its strategic communications in both the civilian and military areas,” explains Telebras President Caio Bonilha.