UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has granted Al Yah Advanced and Star, both subsidiaries of Abu Dhabi-based satellite operator Yahsat, a satellite services licence and a satellite and broadcasting services licence…
UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has granted Al Yah Advanced and Star, both subsidiaries of Abu Dhabi-based satellite operator Yahsat, a satellite services licence and a satellite and broadcasting services licence respectively.
According to the TRA, both licences will last ten years, however, Al Yah Advanced will be limited to serving the UAE government. Star will be able to provide a wider portfolio of services, such as turn-key telecoms solutions and broadband services, as well as broadcasting services for the UAE.
Mohamed Al Ghanim, TRA’s director general, said: “The TRA strategy aims to widen the services and the packages offered in the market through satellite providers. We fully believe that fair competition is a fundamental factor to drive the market forward and to ensure resourcefulness.” He added: “The UAE telecom sector has witnessed massive changes within the last four years; we are aiming to position our country as a center for integrated telecommunications services.
Issuing the licenses to Al Yah Advanced and Star will definitely add value to the telecom sector.” Parent group Yahsat already holds a satellite services license from the TRA, which was awarded in February 2010, to install, operate and manage its satellite and ground network in the UAE.
Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, Yahsat’s CEO, hailed the TRA’s decision to award its two subsidiaries licences as representing another milestone for his group.
“We appreciate all the assistance extended by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of UAE and their confidence in Yahsat. We have taken on the challenge to establish UAE as a premier telecommunications hub by offering world class satellite services,” said Al Zaabi.
