Abu Dhabi-based Yahsat yesterday said that its Al Yah 3 satellite is on track for delivery late next year after completing a review that takes it closer to expanding broadband operations in Brazil and Africa.
The critical design review is the final stage before the satellite’s components are assembled. The services will be rolled out in early 2017, marking its entry into the South American nation and expanding its coverage to more countries in Africa.
“Our third satellite will fuel growth in our business and significantly expand our coverage area to be a truly global company,” said Masood Sharif Mahmood, the chief executive at Yahsat.
Once the new satellite is operational, Yahsat will offer satellite broadband services to Brazilian and African consumers, enterprise markets, internet service providers (ISPs) and telecoms operators.
Yahsat, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development, foresees a boost in demand for its services in places of turbulence, and when traditional operators fail to serve customers amid political upheaval and a shortage of energy supplies.
Iraq and Yemen are two markets that recently experienced an uplift in demand for Yahsat services. The company’s traditional growth markets are Nigeria, Angola and South Africa, where reliable infrastructure can be a challenge.
Yahsat said in April that its YahClick satellite broadband service was available across 12 markets – seven of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa – across a total footprint of 28 countries.
Last week, Yahsat tied up with the Texas-based mobile technology developer Sevis Systems to offer mobile connectivity to underserved areas in the Middle East, Africa and central and south-west Asia.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
