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Arabsat expands with uplink facility at twofour54

Arabsat has established a satellite uplink-platform from twofour54 Abu Dhabi, which will see the two companies launch a new set of satellite TV channels on the Arabsat Badr-4 satellite.
Yusuf AL-Butti, Head of Technology and Engineering at twofour54 at the facility.

Arabsat has established a satellite uplink-platform from twofour54 Abu Dhabi, which will see the two companies launch a new set of satellite TV channels on the Arabsat Badr-4 satellite.

Arabsat will allocate a transponder to uplink from the twofour54 facility. The tie-up enables twofour54 partners and broadcasters across the region to distribute their content to the Arabsat audience directly from the free zone.

Arabsat will also work with twofour54 on a number of projects to develop the teleport services, including an HDR platform which is the first in the UAE. twofour54 and Arabsat will also begin testing the HbbTV platform, which will place twofour54 in a unique position, providing state-of-art technology through collaboration with partners.

Arabsat provides more than 500 TV channels, 200 radio stations, pay-TV networks and HD channels to homes in more than 80 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Speaking about the new uplink partnership, Eng. Khalid Balkheyour, Arabsat President & CEO, said: “twofour54 is a remarkable community of content creators from across the world and from every part of the media industry. Arabsat is proud to expand its broadcasting partnership portfolio by launching our new bouquet on Arabsat Badr-4 satellite from there, enabling new premium capabilities and quality of service for our clients in MENA, as well as empowering twofour54’s clients to reach MENA, Europe and beyond. This all forms part of our development strategy for our Hotspot at 26º East.”

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, added: “The satellite uplink-platform at twofour54 is yet another example of the thriving media ecosystem that is being built in Abu Dhabi as well as the growing demand in the region for high-quality content.

“Content creation is at the heart of everything we do at twofour54 and we are delighted to be working with the largest satellite company in the region on a project that will also allow us to play an important role in its distribution as well. Arabsat has been serving the growing needs of the Arab world for more than 40 years and this service is yet another example of their commitment to the region. This uplink will provide great value to our existing partners as well as even more incentive to those looking to join our community in the future.”

One of the partners to take advantage of this opportunity is Quest Arabiya, which has migrated to the new uplink facility in Abu Dhabi.

George Baroudy, Head of Operations and Planning at Quest Arabiya said: “Having an uplink at twofour54 is fantastic news for our business. It will save us so much valuable time now it is on our doorstep.”