Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has advised the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan on a deal to build and launch the country’s first communications satellite. The contract was awarded to Thales Alenia Space, a European leader in satellite systems and was supported by Space Systems International Monaco.
Field Fisher Waterhouse's practice addresses telecommunications and satellites with clients that include Vodafone, Orange and China Telecom. This deal follows the firm’s advice relating to the Azerbaijan government’s satellite joint venture project that will deliver and launch the country’s first satellite, scheduled for late 2012.
The firm worked alongside international law firm, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP on the Turkmenistan deal.
China Great Wall Industries Corporation will be launching the satellite from its Xichang launch center. The satellite will be located at 52 degrees east, with a footprint spanning Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Field Fisher Waterhouse communications and technology partner John Worthy led the firm’s team on the deal, assisted by construction partner Alan Woolston, associate Nick Ball and solicitor Emma Brownlow-Smith.
John Worthy said: “This project is key to the development of Turkmenistan’s communications infrastructure and is a further example of the growing prominence of satellite projects in emerging markets. This transaction also reflects a growing trend by adopting a collaborative structure to deliver the benefits expected by Turkmenistan. The deal highlights our increasing profile as one of the leading law firms in the satellite sector and builds on our successes in the CIS region.”