Satellite and Broadcasting

Sparkle announces that it will provide GÉANT with a 2,5 Gbps circuit from Marseille (France) to Annaba (Algeria), boosting the existing connectivity currently dedicated to Algeria's scientists, academics and students community. Sparkle has historically provided network solutions for GÉANT since 2002 to reinforce connectivity among education and research centers located in different countries including India, Tunisia, Malta, Morocco, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece. Currently Sparkle also provides GÉANT with 5Gbps connectivity to Brazil.

Integrated Telecom Company (ITC) continues to provide all the technical solutions to its customers through its network that connects the regions of Saudi Arabia with the world. As well as strengthening its satellite communications in order to cover all the regions in the Middle East. This comes as an expansion to its partnership with Intelsat, which was signed in April 2009. ITC has 4 spectrum bands on its satellite IS15.

The Tunisian broadcasting corporation (ONT) has signed a multi-year contract with Eutelsat Communications to broadcast its new subscription-free TV platform across North and West Africa. ONT has selected the powerful EUTELSAT 7 West A satellite to reach viewers across the region.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company launched a dedicated M2M service and terminal that is available across its extensive coverage area and for the first time over North America.

Telenor Satellite announced the commercial readiness of its THOR 7 Ka-band mobility service. The Ka-band payload offers regional coverage with a favorable look angle over the main European shipping lanes and utilizes high-powered spot beams, providing unprecedented performance for maritime applications.

UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of new joint opportunities with existing partner, IEC Telecom Group (IEC Telecom) in Africa. The agreement comes ahead of Yahsat, taking delivery of its third satellite, Al Yah 3.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company announced the election of a new chairman, Eng. Saleh Al Abdooli.

Thuraya Telecommunications hosted a delegation from NASA at its primary gateway office in Sharjah.