Luanda — The government of Angola has formalised, through an announcement in the State Gazette of last July 15, the project of creating the Angolan satellite dubbed "Angosat", including its production, launch and operation.

ANGOP learnt on Saturday from decision included in the 1st Series nº 130 of this official organ, that the project also includes the creation of human resources and infrastructures.

The referred document also approves the contracts for the construction, placing in orbit and operation of the Angosat satellite, signed between the Ministry of Post Office and Telecommunication and the State-run Federal Unit Firm "Rosoboronexport", in representation

of the consortium of Russian companies, estimated at USD 327.6 million.

The project takes into consideration that the characteristics of the national territory, especially its dimension and population density, linked to the need of harmonising the economic growth, even in the most remote zones of the country, demands a short and mid term satellite telecommunication infrastructure.

It also takes into account the growing demand for resources of transmission by satellite, due to the Angolan State's engagement in the creation of conditions that turn the country into an active member of the information society through the growing use of information technologies that demand broad band system.