Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) has awarded Comtech Telecommunications $29 million to deliver communications technologies and location services that will operate on Yahsat’s Thuraya 4-NGS satellite constellation.
Under this contract, Comtech will design, develop, install, integrate, and test communications and location-based technologies for Yahsat’s Location Tracking Services Platform and User Terminals. Comtech’s offerings will help enable blended communications and enhanced location-based services for end users of Yahsat’s network.
Comtech’s communications capabilities and location-based services, including those provided to Yahsat, are designed to support the convergence of global communications infrastructures. With the merging of space, satellite, terrestrial, and wireless technologies, Comtech is uniquely positioned to enable hybrid network infrastructures that can open the door to a nearly endless number of applications and deliver connectivity to locations that have historically been underserved or unconnected.
“Comtech and Yahsat’s partnership further demonstrates the advantages of blending satellite and terrestrial technologies to enable secure, enhanced, and ubiquitous connectivity services for commercial and government customers around the world,” said Ken Peterman, President and CEO, Comtech. “This contract also illustrates the trust of our international partners as well as Comtech’s unique ability to deliver the innovative solutions and services needed to connect the unconnected, bridge the digital divide, and empower individuals across the globe through access to new technologies.”
“We are proud to be partnering with Comtech on this significant project. This collaboration is testament to our commitment to innovation and our determination to provide our customers with the latest cutting-edge technologies,” said Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO, Yahsat. “At Yahsat, we have built a reputation as a forward-thinking satellite communications provider that is able to anticipate and solve challenges that prevent our customers from successfully achieving their goals. This approach perfectly synergizes with Comtech’s expertise and together we seek to shift the paradigm in location tracking and communications.”
Additionally, Comtech, in collaboration with three global companies: Cloud Signals, Hellas Sat, and a leading Mobile Network Operator (MNO), that the companies have successfully tested and validated 5G connectivity over a satellite network in Greece.
During the demonstration, a commercial 5G node was connected to the leading MNO’s 5G testbed network and relayed over a satellite link provided by the Hellas Sat. Comtech’s technology leadership was a significant enabler for this breakthrough demonstration, which included its ELEVATE Very Small Aperture Terminal solution that delivered high speed backhaul services for the 5G satellite-based connection.
“This demonstration showcased our ability to easily blend satellite and terrestrial technologies to deliver 5G capabilities to remote areas that are unconnected or underserved by traditional terrestrial and wireless infrastructures,” said Ken Peterman, President and CEO, Comtech. “By working with Cloud Signals, Hellas Sat and the leading MNO, we were able to deliver a wide range of 5G satellite-enabled services, which can create incredible value for customers across Greece and bridge the digital divide in disconnected parts of the world.”
“After observing a real need for providing 5G network onboard commercial and government maritime vessels, we are delighted to showcase that it can work by successfully transporting, via satellite, an end-to-end live 5G stream with the help of our partners,” said Dr. Christos Papachristos, CEO, Cloud Signals. “What remains to be done is a commercial cooperation and a market launch for our service.”
Cloud Signals specializes in the development of space technologies and is based in Athens, Greece.
“Satellites play an essential role in helping MNOs serve customers in remote and underserved areas, being a flexible, cost-efficient, scalable, and reliable solution for delivering communication services. In collaboration with our partners, using our Hellas Sat 3 satellite at 39o East, we demonstrated the substantial impact of satellite communications in the advancement of the 5G infrastructure,” said Christodoulos Protopapas, CEO, Hellas Sat.
Hellas Sat is a premium satellite services provider that owns and operates satellites delivering services in Europe, the Middle East, and Southern Africa.