Hughes Networks Systems LLC, a provider of broadband satellite networks and satellite optimization services, recently secured an initial contract from Star Satellite Communications Company PJSC. Star Satellite is a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat), based in United Arab Emirates.
Valued at more than $27 million, the contract will include Hughes (News - Alert) providing its high performance, Ka-band HN broadband satellite system to Yahsat. This will also include gateway equipment and HN9200 and HN9400 terminals, with provisions for future expansion. A complete Operational Support System and Back Office Support System solution (OSS/BSS) for the YahClick service will be also delivered by Hughes as a part of the contract.
In a press release, Pradman Kaul, chairman and CEO of Hughes, said, "This highly valued and strategically important contract further solidifies our leadership in Ka-band satellite technology and services globally. We eagerly look forward to implementing our comprehensive solution for Yahsat to help ensure its success, including our field-proven customer support systems and know-how."
The high-throughput capability of Yahsat Y1B satellite along with the Hughes HN System solution will be leveraged by YahClick. This next-generation, Ka-band service, YahClick is expected to be launched in 2012. Small enterprises, governments and consumers in the Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia will be therefore provided broadband Internet access and other applications.
In a statement, Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat, said, "Partnering with Hughes will help Yahsat in fast tracking the rapid rollout of YahClick service in 27 countries during 2012. YahClick will bring the Internet to millions of underserved and unserved people and organizations at costs comparable to terrestrial services."
According to the Bahram Pourmand, executive VP of International at Hughes, the requirements of this much sought-after contract can be fulfilled by Hughes. The organization is proud that Yahsat has put its trust in Hughes in this regard.
The maximum performance on today's Ku- or Ka-band platforms can be delivered by the Hughes HN9000 series of routers. They are also future-proof for next-generation, high-throughput systems.
In other industry news, this week at Satellite 2011, WAN optimization specialist, Expand Networks will be demonstrating its latest innovations in acceleration techniques that further enhance the user experience in satellite networks across the most challenging military, government, enterprise, rural and remote environments.
Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by Jaclyn Allard