Background on Financiera del Bienestar and its Role
Financiera del Bienestar, a Mexican state-owned financial institution, is tasked with ensuring connectivity as promised by the current federal government. The organization operates satellites to meet national security and meteorological needs, as well as support telecommunications service coverage.
IFT’s Approval of Replacement Plan for Bicentenario Satellite
The Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) approved Financiera del Bienestar’s plan to replace the Bicentenario satellite, which was launched in December 2012 and positioned at the geo-stationary orbital slot 114.9° West Longitude.
Satellite Replacement Timeline and Obligations
The replacement satellite is intended to be operational by the second half of 2027. Given the extensive timeframe for satellite deployment, the IFT mandated Financiera del Bienestar to submit semi-annual reports detailing progress in design, construction, and launch of the new satellite.
The IFT also required Financiera del Bienestar to request formal authorization for any future plan modifications, ensuring transparency regarding contract details such as the satellite manufacturer’s name, launch company, or technical specifications.
Cost and Industry Estimates
The Bicentenario satellite, with an estimated 15-year lifespan, necessitates replacement. The industry estimates that deploying a new satellite—from design and fabrication to launch—costs between 1.7 billion and 2 billion US dollars.
The Bicentenario satellite was launched in December 2012 under the governments of Felipe Calderón (PAN) and Enrique Peña Nieto (PRI), with an estimated cost of 21 billion Mexican pesos at the time.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Financiera del Bienestar? An Mexican state-owned financial institution responsible for ensuring connectivity as promised by the current federal government.
- What is the purpose of replacing the Bicentenario satellite? To meet ongoing national security, meteorological, and telecommunications needs.
- What are the reporting obligations imposed by IFT? Financiera del Bienestar must submit semi-annual reports detailing progress in design, construction, and launch of the new satellite.
- What is the estimated cost for deploying a new satellite? Between 1.7 billion and 2 billion US dollars, covering design, fabrication, and launch.
- What is the lifespan of the Bicentenario satellite? Approximately 15 years.
