Mexico will launch three satellites that will be used for national security and to expand telecommunications capabilities, President Felipe Calderon has said.

The satellites will also help expand the use of telecommunications in the health and education sectors, Calderon said.

The satellites will bring telecommunications to the most remote and "hard to reach communities", the president said Monday.

Communications and Transportation Secretary Juan Molinar said the satellites, which will cost $1.5 billion, are expected to be ready at the end of 2012.