ANKARA, Nov.7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish satellite communication and cable TV operator Turksat will launch its new telecommunication satellite Turksat 3A in April next year, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported Wednesday.

"We have completed construction of the body of Turksat 3A," Adnan Celik, head of Turksat's training, planning and strategy department, was quoted as saying.

Turkey signed an agreement with French Alcatel Alenia Space in 2006 for the construction and in-orbit delivery of new powerful telecommunication satellite, or Turksat 3A, which would replace the old one, Turksat 1C.

According to the report, Alcatel Alenia Space, as a prime contractor, has been in charge of the satellite design, construction and test activities, as well as in-orbit delivery and modernization of the ground segment.

Meanwhile, the French contractor has also been providing training assistance to Turksat.

Some 22 Turkish engineers have been working in Alcatel facilities in France for the construction works of the new satellite, said Celik.

Turksat 3A will enable the Turksat TV operator to offer telecommunication services as well as direct TV broadcasting over Turkey, Europe and Central Asia.