Yahsat taps Orbital and Arianespace for Yahsat 3

UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat has announced that Orbital Sciences will build its forthcoming Al Yah 3 satellite and that Arianespace will launch the craft from French Guiana in 2016.

The launch of Yahsat’s third satellite will extend the company’s commercial Ka-band coverage to an additional 17 countries and 600 million users across Africa and Brazil.

“Looking ahead as development and launch plans progress, Yahsat will continue to explore ground partners and distributors across both Africa and Brazil,” said Masood M Sharif Mahmood, CEO of Yahsat.

“Our aim is not just to launch a satellite, but also provide a 360° service platform to facilitate the distribution of broadband and connectivity services in our target markets. Part of this exercise is to ensure we build the right distribution and operational platforms within each of our markets, and we are actively engaged in identifying strong partners across both continents.”