Newsat Signs $134 Million Contract For Jabiru-1 Satellite

29 August 2011

 

NewSat Limited signed a ten year satellite capacity contract with 3A Technology. 3A Technology is a leading Pakistani telecommunications provider delivering services to government and enterprise customers including Mobilink (one of the largest mobile phone operators in Pakistan), Pak Datacom (subsidiary of Pakistan Telecom) and the Government of Pakistan. The commitment is for the purchase of US$134 million of transmission capacity on the Jabiru-1 satellite over ten years.

This contract is another major step forward in NewSat’s strategy to become a global leader of satellite services and follows TrustComm’s US$105 million contract signed earlier this month. The two contracts totalling US$239 million, confirm the paradigm shift as NewSat moves from being a reseller of satellite capacity to the owner of satellites.

The Jabiru-1 Ka-band satellite capacity purchased by 3A Technology will serve multiple high demand regions within the Middle East, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Ka-band capacity will enable 3A Technology to capitalise on future demand for enterprise network expansions, banking and government sectors and the rapid growth of cellular backhaul requirements, as telecommunication companies expand into rural areas and support the deployment of 3G/4G networks.

In commenting on the multi-million dollar contract with 3A Technology, Adrian Ballintine, NewSat Founder and CEO said: “The region of Pakistan is amongst the most under serviced and fastest growing user of satellite technology in the world and is perfectly poised to take advantage of NewSat’s services to bolster internal infrastructure and external communications.”

"3A Technology is one of the emerging and innovative telecommunication companies in Pakistan, with prominent customers providing mobile, broadband and network services throughout the region. They have seized the opportunity to secure high performance Ka-band capacity over this region that relies heavily on satellite to deliver communication services.”

In commenting on the multi-million dollar contract with NewSat, Syed Ali Ather, 3A Technology President said: “Our agreement with NewSat to purchase US$134 million of Ka-band capacity over a 10 year period will help 3A Technology to provide superior products and services, reinforcing our reputation as the telco of choice in the region. NewSat is building a high powered Ka-band satellite providing coverage where we need it most. Pakistan and Afghanistan have poor terrestrial connectivity and rapidly growing consumer, business and government markets for Internet, voice and secure data. Our large banking customers, along with mobile and broadband operators, rely on our satellite communications to support their network expansions and future business growth.”