Yahsat to provide satellite broadband in UAE in Q4 2011

Press release:
Star Satellite Communications Company PrJsc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), has appointed Axiom Telecom and Sky Stream to provide Yahsat’s revolutionary satellite broadband service, YahClick, in the UAE.

YahClick will be the first satellite broadband system to service the Middle East, Africa and South-West Asia and will be available through Y1B, Yahsat’s second satellite to be launched in Q4 2011. The service will meet the growing connectivity needs of the region and bring reliable, uninterrupted and affordable broadband internet to customers, offering cost-effective broadband service at to consumers and enterprise customers.

“We feel a tremendous sense of pride in fostering wider internet connectivity across much of the developing world. Information and Communication Technology, ICT, is key to enhancing a country’s social and economic prosperity and affordable internet access is the backbone for ICT development in any country.  Our service agents will provide us extensive consumer insights, business experience and reach, which gives us great confidence in the successful rollout of the YahClick service,” said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.

Once launched, YahClick will fast-track the deployment of affordable broadband services in areas with limited or no internet access. Consumers in the UAE can subscribe to the YahClick service packages through both service agents.

YahClick will make Abu Dhabi a telecommunications hub for a region spanning 27 countries with a population of more than 1 billion.

Yahsat has already appointed service agents in countries including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Afghanistan, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Tanzania, Pakistan and Kenya.

Yahsat is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi Government’s strategic investment company. The services Y1A and Y1B deliver will support the Emirate’s ambition to become an economic hub for media broadcasting and telecommunications services by allowing clients from Europe and South Asia to connect with customers across the entire coverage area. The focus on delivering advanced technology services is an important part of The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and a significant step in the Emirate’s plans for economic diversification and development.