New Broadband Joint Venture in Middle East-Africa to Connect More than One Billion People
Hughes and Yahsat partner to provide high-speed satellite services to communities across the region.
Hughes and Yahsat, a leading global satellite operator based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently announced an agreement to enter into a joint venture to provide satellite broadband services across Africa, the Middle East, and southwest Asia. The venture combines Hughes deep expertise as the world leader in broadband satellite networks and services with Yahsat’s unique position and knowledge as a leader in satellite broadband solutions across these regions.
The new venture will provide unserved and underserved communities with reliable, high-speed services operating over Yahsat’s Al Yah 2 (AY2) and Al Yah 3 (AY3) Ka-band satellites, and leveraging the capabilities of the Hughes JUPITER™ System, which is designed and optimized for large-scale High-Throughput Satellites (HTS). As part of the joint venture, Hughes will also supply solutions for comprehensive network operations and management.
Initially, the focus will be on delivering “direct-to-premises services” to homes, small- to medium-sized enterprises, and community centers and schools under local government programs across these regions. In parallel, there will be an increased emphasis on “community hotspot” solutions to make satellite-enabled broadband more accessible to a far greater number of users across the AY2 and AY3 footprint, which covers more than 1 billion people. The venture will also capitalize on deploying high-performance JUPITER System satellite backhaul and carrier solutions for mobile network operators, accelerating expansion in areas unserved or underserved by terrestrial backhaul.
“The partnership with Hughes plays a significant role in Yahsat’s story of growth and serves as an important step in achieving our vision to provide global satellite broadband services to individuals, communities, governments, and businesses in unserved and underserved communities,” said Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, chief executive officer of Yahsat. “Our remarkable operating track record and experience, combined with Hughes technology leadership and experience, are a winning proposition to unlock the mass market potential of satellite broadband services across the region.”
“Yahsat has been a valued customer for many years, incorporating our JUPITER System and operating expertise into their services,” explained Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes. “This next step in our relationship is a natural evolution that builds on our shared commitment to connecting the unconnected and reflects our strategy to partner with leading providers around the world.”