Yahsat has awarded a major contract to Hughes Network Services, LLC, to deliver its JUPITER System and related network operations services in support of its expansion across Africa in 2017. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision to provide the region with innovative satellite communications solutions that help grow the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and develop employment opportunities.
The multi-year contract calls for Hughes to supply its JUPITER System gateways and broadband terminals together with its Operating Support System (OSS) and Business Support System (BSS) solutions as turnkey outsourced managed services.
With the launch of Al Yah 3, the new Ka-band satellite scheduled for service launch in 2017, and associated ground infrastructure, Yahsat will expand its footprint in the region. Al Yah 3 is Yahsat’s third satellite and launches within less than a decade of operation. This new addition will bring additional connectivity into 18 African countries for consumers, SOHO and enterprise segments, underpinning the UAE space and satellite industry’s aggressive growth intentions.
Commenting on the new contract, David Murphy, Yahsat’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This new partnership signifies a major milestone for the successful roll-out of services from Al Yah 3. It’s a great example of a UAE organisation, using home-grown talent, to serve businesses and consumers in countries around the world.
“We have been operating across Africa since 2012; today we are the market leader with established service partners in nine countries. The contract with Hughes further expands our growth plans enabling next-generation broadband services across the continent.”
“Our long term relationship with Hughes Network Systems will allow Yahsat to better address evolving market requirements in Africa, from broadband access to mobile backhaul for telcos and ISPs.”
“Moreover, as the new Ka-band coverage becomes live, the Jupiter platform will ensure consistency and smooth transition across the respective countries.”
Hughes’ Bahram Pourmand, Hughes Executive Vice President, International said: “Yahsat’s decision to expand our relationship is a testament to the high quality of both Hughes technology and outsourced network operations.
“Our JUPITER System has proven to be the platform of choice globally to power high-throughput satellite services and we are confident that it will further strengthen Yahsat’s market-leading presence in the region across the African service footprint of Al Yah 3.”
Al Yah 3 will extend the company’s commercial Ka-band coverage to 60% of Africa’s population. This procurement of the Jupiter platform is in preparation for the new satellite and is in line with Yahsat’s strategy to widen and deepen its reach and continuously enhance its product offerings
Commenting on this, Murphy said: “The right partnerships are fundamental to our expansions. As we diligently work with Hughes to enable the Jupiter OSS / BSS system, working with the right service providers across the continent is also key. This will ensure tried-and-tested solutions as well as local on-ground knowledge throughout the growth of services.”
Al Yah 3, with support from Hughes, will strengthen Yahsat’s position as the world’s eighth largest operator in terms of revenue as the satellite company’s coverage will be extended to wider parts of Africa.
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