A digital rendering of Arabsat’s Badr 5 satellite. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

[Via Satellite 12-16-2014] Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operator STC has finished the renewal and upgrade of the company’s satellite hub for Arabsat in Riyadh. Arabsat President and CEO Khalid Balkheyour said the multi-million dollar renewal enables reliable communications on the company’s Badr 5 satellite, located at 26 degrees east.

Arabsat has satellites located at 20 degrees east, 26 degrees east, 30.5 degrees east, 39 degrees east and 34.5 degrees east. The company has plans to launch new satellites in order to own the youngest fleet in the region.