Yahsat Extends Partnership with Hughes for African Satellite Expansion

Nov. 17, 2015

Yahsat and Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced the award of a major contract for Hughes to deliver its JUPITER™ System and related network operations services in support of Yahsat's ^planned expansion across Africa in early 2017 with the launch of its new Ka-band satellite, Al Yah 3.

The multi-year contract calls for Hughes to supply its award-winning JUPITER System gateways and broadband terminals together with its Operating Support System (OSS) and Business Support System (BSS) solutions as a turnkey outsourced managed service.

Yahsat's position as the world's eighth largest operator in terms of revenue will be further strengthened by the extended coverage of Al Yah 3 to wider parts of Africa. Al Yah 3 will bring additional connectivity into 18 African countries for consumers, SOHO and enterprise segments.

Commenting on the new contract, David Murphy, Yahsat chief commercial officer, said: "Yahsat has been operating across Africa since 2012. Today we are the market leader, with established service partners in nine countries. Our collaboration with Hughes further expands our commitment in the region enabling next-generation broadband services across the continent and allows Yahsat to better address evolving market requirements in Africa, from broadband access to mobile backhaul for telcos and ISPs. Moreover, as the new Ka-band coverage goes live, the JUPITER System will ensure consistency and smooth transition across respective countries."

"Yahsat's decision to expand our relationship is a testament to the high quality of both Hughes technology and outsourced network operations," said Bahram Pourmand, Hughes' executive vice president, International. "Our JUPITER System has proven to be the platform of choice globally to power high-throughput satellite services and we are confident that it will further strengthen Yahsat's market-leading presence in the region across the African service footprint of Al Yah 3."

The third Yahsat satellite, Al Yah 3, is scheduled for service launch in early 2017, extending the company's commercial Ka-band coverage to 60% of Africa's population. The procurement of the JUPITER platform is in preparation for the new satellite and is in line with Yahsat's strategy to widen and deepen its reach and continuously enhance its product offerings.

Commenting on this, Murphy said: "The right partnerships are fundamental to our expansions. As we diligently work with Hughes to enable the JUPITER OSS / BSS system, working with the right service providers across the continent is also key. This will ensure tried-and-tested solutions as well as local on-ground knowledge throughout the growth of services."

Al Yah 3, with support from Hughes, will strengthen Yahsat's position as the world's eighth largest operator in terms of revenue as the satellite company's coverage will be extended to wider parts of Africa.