[Satellite News 04-01-10] Middle East satellite operator Yahsat’s first satellite, Yahsat 1A, has received a 10-year satellite services license in the United Arab Emirates by the region’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), a development which CEO Jassem Al Zaabi considers to hold “immense significance” for the company.
    TRA Director General Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim hailed the deal as beneficial for business development in the United Arab Emirates. “TRA’s strategy is aimed at supporting governmental entities and corporations alike in delivering their services and products by facilitating the registration process. The licensing of Yahsat for the installation, operation and management of a public telecommunications network and provision of telecommunications services that we issue to Yahsat is a testimony of our support for the ICT sector,” he said.
    The belief that demand for services and capacity serving the Middle East will skyrocket has been building for more than a year, spurred by a combination of increasing demand for satellite-based services and government deregulation that is encouraging more providers to enter the market. This optimism remains high, even though the global economy has slumped.
    Al Zaabi said his company sees the MENA regional trends as promising. “There are new markets for this capacity. There is more deregulation taking place in the region. There are changing appetites for applications. Satellite TV is seeing growing demand across the region. You are also seeing increases in satellite capacity being used for government services.”
    Now that its UAE license has been granted, Yahsat’s primary focus can expand beyond its program schedule to other areas. “With this license, Yahsat will be in a position to offer satellite raw capacity and solutions to government and enterprise customers within the UAE and the region,” said Al Zaabi. 
    Moving forward, Al Zaabi said Yahsat will be providing broadband services through service partners who will be responsible for obtaining local licenses and approvals. “We look to our continued cooperation with the TRA. The TRA has always supported a globally competitive telecommunications sector in the UAE, licensing Yahsat will provide the region’s first multi-purpose satellite telecommunications system.”