Page 15 - SAMENA Trends - August 2020

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Arabsat Signs Badr–8 Satellite Contract with

Airbus

Arab Satellite Communications telecommunications and information and Space. It is the first 7th generation
Organization (Arabsat) signed a contract exchanging services in ku- band / C – Arabsat satellite and the first Eurostar Neo
with Airbus Defense and Space to band that will enhance Arabsat satellite satellite we are building for Arabsat after
manufacture Badr-8 satellite, which is fleet capacities and ensure updated and six previous Eurostar satellites. BADR-8
the first of its 7th generation satellites, developed services for years to come, incorporates the best of our expertise and
expected to be launched at the beginning reinforcing Arabsat leading role in the technologies, including a very innovative
of 2023. BADR-8, as a 7th Generation Middle East for satellite TV broadcasting optical communications hosted payload.
satellite, will be based on the-state-of- & satellite telecommunications. Arabsat This further strengthens our continuing
the-art Airbus Eurostar Neo electric orbit investments in Badr 8 will reach about strategic partnership with the Arab Satellite
raising platform giving access to a wide US$ 300 million including launch, Communications Organization, which has
range of launchers, covering Europe, insurance and ground infrastructures.” been connecting people by satellite across
Middle East, Africa and central Asia. BADR- Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems, the Middle East and the world for more
8 will also include the innovative Airbus said: “This important contract with our than 40 years.”
developed TELEO optical communications long-standing customer Arabsat has a
payload demonstrator. This payload will special significance for Airbus Defense
enable very high capacity analogue optical
feeder link communications, as part of the
development by Airbus of a new generation
of optical communications technology
in space to be integrated in its future
commercial products, which is highly
robust against jamming. Khalid Balkheyour,
President & CEO of Arabsat said: Badr- 8
satellite will be joining our Badr-network
at Arabsat 26°E hotspot, Badr-8 will
carry massive satellite transponders
for satellite TV broadcasting, satellite

Etisalat Group Reports AED 4.6 Billion Consolidated

Net Profits for H1 2020

Etisalat Group announced its consolidated Consumer Brand’ and ‘The Most empower the region’s education sector
financial results for H1 ending 30th June Valuable Telecom Brand’ in MEA region • Etisalat unveiled the 5G-enabled smart
2020. • Credit Rating Agencies Standards & patrol for Dubai Police, a first in the
H1 2020 Financial Highlights and Key Poor's and Moody's affirmed Etisalat Middle East and North Africa region
Developments Group's high credit rating at AA-/Aa3 • Etisalat in partnership with Ministry
• Etisalat Group subscriber base reached with stable outlook of Interior signs an MoU with Sheikh
146 million subscribers • Etisalat partnered with Department of Zayed Housing Program to provide
• Consolidated revenues amounted to Health, the regulator of the healthcare villas with the smart fire alarm solution
AED 25.6 billion and consolidated net sector in Abu Dhabi to launch the ‘Hassantuk’
profit after Federal Royalty amounted to ‘Digital Healthcare’ Centre • Etisalat launched multiple initiatives
AED 4.6 billion representing a year over • Etisalat launched first-of-it-kind to support ‘Stay at Home’ directive
year increase of 3% and resulting in a telehealth service in the private sector including but not limited to:
net profit margin of 18%. as a continuation of its mission to • Free internet to families to facilitate
• Consolidated EBITDA totaled AED 13.2 provide clinical excellence to patients access to distance learning services
billion resulting in EBITDA margin of in need. • More than 10 million Etisalat mobile
52%. • Etisalat partnered with Alef Education subscribers enjoyed free browsing to
• Etisalat named ‘The Most Valuable to enable a series of digital initiatives to over 800 websites related to education,

15 AUGUST 2020