Omani government-owned Space Communication Technologies Company (SCT) has signed a deal with Oman Broadband (OB) for the Universal Service Obligation project as part of the national initiative by Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) to provide communications and internet services to around 598 remote villages and residential areas.

Satellite and Broadcasting
SES launches free-to-air satellite channel to combat COVID-19
Millions of households across Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific will be able to access a free-to-air TV channel via SES satellites dedicated to delivering reliable, informative content about COVID-19. The channel — Fight COVID-19 — broadcasts content that is aimed at providing underserved and rural communities with critical information about how to limit the spread of the virus.
SES chooses SpaceX to launch four more O3b mPOWER satellites
SES announced that it has selected SpaceX as a launch partner to deliver the four newly-ordered O3b mPOWER spacecraft of its next-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) communications system.
OSN to create Arabic version of famous British TV Show
OSN and ITV Studios Middle East have announced a casting call for the Arabic version of TV Show Come Dine With Me which is set to have 45 episodes.
SES selects SpaceX, ULA to launch C-band satellites
SES has selected SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to launch satellites into orbit as part of the company’s C-band clearing plan, as well as their contribution to facilitate 5G across America.
Yahsat appoints Andrew Cole as new CFO
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), UAE-based global satellite operator, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Cole as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will assume the position from 1 July onwards.
Iridium announces $12.4 million net loss in Q2 2020
Iridium Communications Inc. (Iridium) has reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2020 which demonstrated a net loss of $12.4 million.
Thuraya, Telespazio partner for global distribution deal
Thuraya, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE’s Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), has signed a partnership agreement with Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), to distribute its products and services worldwide.
Orange partners with Eutelsat to provide broadband via satellite
Orange has purchased from Eutelsat Communications all available capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to cover the entire French territory. It will enable Orange’s consumer customer base, even those living in the most isolated areas, to benefit from very high-speed fixed broadband via satellite from January 2021.
stc and MBC GROUP announce strategic partnership
stc and MBC GROUP, the leading telecom and media groups, announced the signing of a joint partnership to offer Shahid VIP, MBC’s premium subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, to stc customers for no additional cost for the duration of two months. This is in line with both companies’ continued mission to offer customers and audiences the best content from the region and beyond.