The SSL team at BRIsat contract signing ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 04-30-2014] Space Systems/Loral (SSL) has been selected to manufacture a satellite for PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to provide a platform for banking communications services for its more than 50 million customers in Indonesia. This satellite will mark the first launch of a communications satellite by a bank.

The satellite’s coverage will extend across Indonesia and South East Asia. It will help BRI provide banking communications to its more than 9,800 branches, with more than 100,000 electronic channel outlets.

The satellite, BRIsat, is based on the SSL 1300 platform, and is schedule for launch in 2016 for a term of 15 years of service or longer. In addition to the satellite, SSL will provide BRI with a ground system, including two satellite control facilities, along with training and launch support.