Yahsat, the UAE-based satellite operator, a wholly owned company of the Mubadala Development Company, has announced plans to launch their third satellite in 2016, extending their commercial Ka-band coverage to an additional 17 countries and 600 million users. This third satellite places Yahsat as the world’s eighth largest operator in terms of revenue and as a leader in innovative satellite solutions. The new satellite will serve Brazil and South America as well as the MENA region.

Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services at Mubadala, said: “Yahsat is one of the UAE’s great success stories. With the launch of Al Yah 3, we are well positioned to reach our goal of becoming a global leader in the provision of advanced satellite services. The launch of the company’s third satellite within less than a decade of operation is a clear signal of the UAE aerospace industry’s intentions for the future.”

Yahsat says it will soon be announcing its partners for the manufacture and launch of Al Yah 3, and will continue to explore options for the provision of its ground and network system. The company will also continue discussions to finalise its strategic distribution partnerships across Africa and Brazil.  Given the unique qualities of each market, it says the go to market model will be tailored to ensure customer experience and value are optimised.

Al Yah 3 will be an all Ka-band high throughput satellite, with a unique design that optimizes cost, capacity, coverage and flexibility. It will enable delivery of affordable broadband, directly or indirectly to over 600 million users in both continents, specifically covering more than 95 per cent of the population in Brazil. This is in line with Yahsat’s goal to encourage social and economic development by providing people with a platform to access information, enabling them to enter the digital sharing stage as well as facilitate businesses to expand their network and help create jobs.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite