Yahsat’s Y1B satellite. Photo: Yahsat

United Arab Emirates (UAE) global satellite operator Yahsat and Hughes Network Systems, a subsidiary of EchoStar, agreed to enter a joint venture to provide commercial Ka-band satellite broadband services across Africa, the Middle East, and southwest Asia. This new venture combines Hughes expertise in broadband satellite networks and services with Yahsat’s unique position and knowledge as a provider of satellite broadband solutions across these regions. Hughes will purchase a minority interest in the venture.

The new venture will continue to provide unserved and underserved communities with reliable, high-speed internet services operating over Yahsat’s Al Yah 2 (AY2) and Al Yah 3 (AY3) Ka-band satellites, and leveraging the capabilities of the Hughes Jupiter, System, designed and optimized for large scale High-Throughput Satellites (HTS). Hughes will also supply its  Operating and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) solutions for comprehensive network operations and management.

Initially, the venture will focus on direct-to-premise services to homes and small- to medium-sized enterprises, and to community centers and schools that are served under local government programs across these regions. In parallel, there will be an increased focus on community hotspot solutions to make satellite-enabled broadband more accessible to many more users across the AY2 and AY3 footprint, which currently covers more than 1 billion people. In addition, the venture will also aim to capitalize on the accelerating transition towards Ka-band based backhaul and carrier solutions from mobile network operators.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to occur later this year.