[Satellite News 11-02-09] It has been a busy time for Middle East satellite operator Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat). The operator has seen the launch of its Yahsat 1A satellite delayed until the first quarter of 2011. It has also signed a significant new deal with Microsoft to bring a new set of Internet services for consumers and small businesses.
    Jassem Al Zaabi, Yahsat’s CEO spoke to Satellite News about these latest pieces of significant news for Yahsat.

Satellite News: What caused Yahsat 1A’s delay and what does it mean for Yahsat?

Al Zaabi: The change in the launch schedule was caused by an event beyond Yahsat or the contractors’ control. A devastating earthquake struck the city of L’Aquila, Italy in April 2009. The earthquake delayed manufacture of some satellite parts in the L’Aquila plant. Our technical team worked very closely with our partners to manage the impact of the damage to the manufacturing facility. The first satellite Y1A will now be launched in first quarter of 2011.
    The delay of four months will not have a major impact on our business plan. Our customers are aware of the change in the launch schedule and have adjusted their plans accordingly. We keep an open dialogue with our customers and have an excellent relationship with them. They understand the industry very well and are aware of the risks and have built their own risk mitigation plan for any delay risk.

Satellite News: What are the main targets for Yahsat in 2010 in terms of deals and partnerships ahead of launch of the first Yahsat satellite?

Al Zaabi: Yahsat is currently mainly focused on managing the large program it has on hand.  The main objective is to ensure that we achieve the set launch dates for our satellites while managing the other programmatic and technical aspects of the program.  This means that we can only afford to look at very selective partnerships to remain focused on the main goal.  

Satellite News: Could you tell us of the significance of the deal announced with Microsoft? What does this mean for YahCick?

Al Zaabi: Yahsat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Gulf to potentially offer YahClick services based on ‘Microsoft Live’ platform to Middle East, Africa and South-West Asia.
    Microsoft Live is a set of Internet-based services designed for consumers and small businesses interested in creating a website or storing and sharing documents online. Our YahClick service targets consumers and small and medium enterprises for which satellite broadband connectivity was formerly out of reach due to its high cost. YahClick will offer several packages designed for the enterprise market, with data speeds and prices to meet the needs of a wide range of enterprise users. The co-operation will help address the challenges faced by regions with limited or no Internet connectivity and improve the overall information and communication technology (ICT) landscape.

Satellite News: Why is this deal strategically important for Yahsat? What do you think Microsoft will bring to the table here?

Al Zaabi: The collaboration will allow YahClick – the advance broadband satellite Internet service from Yahsat – to offer ‘Microsoft Live’ based online services e.g. email, Customer relationship management, SharePoint, Health Vault etc. to consumers, businesses and government, wherever appropriate or applicable. The Yahsat and Microsoft partnership will focus on connected industry frameworks like government, healthcare, education, tourism, citizen portals and e-services. The two organizations will also collaborate in developing awareness and training programs that aim at building IT capacity within markets served, to lead social and economical transformation in the public and private sector.

Satellite News: Are you looking for other strategically partnerships with world-famous names in this area?

Al Zaabi: Entering into value-add partnerships is at the core of our thinking and is a part of our vision statement.  We believe that having the right partners and partnerships will give Yahsat reach and access into new markets which will add value to Yahsat and its partners.  This is evidenced by the strategic partnership we entered into beginning this year with SES Astra one of the largest satellite operators in the world on YahLive our broadcasting business.

Satellite News: Do you believe this partnership will give Yahsat a competitive advantage over other satellite operators in the region?

Al Zaabi: In Microsoft, we have found the right partner with the expertize, software solutions and service applications that perfectly fit with our requirements and strategic business direction. With this partnership we take another step towards playing a key role in the economic development of the nations we cover by connecting rural and urban communities and creating informed societies.

Satellite News: How do you see the satellite broadband opportunity for Yahsat?

Al Zaabi: The opportunity to provide satellite broadband services in the Middle East and Africa is immense. There is a shortage of satellite capacity over the region which has seen increasing demand for such services. Our cutting-edge, state-of-the-art satellite broadband Internet service YahClick, was launched to address the growing and unfulfilled demand for broadband services in the Middle East, Africa and South-West Asia. The reliable, cost-effective, YahClick will fast track the deployment of broadband service and bring the Internet to millions of underserved and unserved people and organizations at costs comparable to terrestrial services.
    We believe this also presents a valuable chance for Yahsat to help develop the region’s communications knowledge-base, supporting Yahsat’s aim to be at the forefront of global technological advances. We hope to play a key role in the economic development of the nations we cover by connecting rural and urban communities and creating informed societies.

Satellite News: Finally, as the CEO, what do you see as the major challenges for the Yahsat? Are you ahead of your own expectations in terms of your business plan at this stage?

Al Zaabi: Our primary focus at present is the on schedule and successful launch of our satellites. The successful launch of our satellites and smooth running of our business model is our priority for the next few years.