Emirati Yahsat launches initiative to provide connectivity services directly from its satellites
February 23rd 2024
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), an Emirati provider of satellite telecoms services present in Africa, launched a new strategy called “Project SKY” at the beginning of the week. The initiative aims to provide voice, SMS and data services to smartphone users and IoT (Internet of Things) devices directly from satellites, an approach called Direct-to-Device (D2D).
The project includes two phases. In the first phase, Yahsat plans to use its satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) to deliver voice and messaging capabilities this year, before rolling out texting and IoT capabilities to smartphones in 2025. Called “BlueStar”, the second phase will see the establishment of a constellation of satellites to provide complete D2D connectivity.
In Africa, this initiative should help improve people’s access to mobile connectivity services. Space technology offers greater reach, making it possible to reach even populations living in rural, remote areas and difficult to access for the terrestrial network of telecom operators.
According to data from the Global Association of Telephone Operators and Manufacturers (GSMA), sub-Saharan Africa had 489 million unique mobile subscribers in 2022 for a penetration rate of only 43%. The number of Internet service users stood at 287 million, or 25% of the region’s population. In North Africa, the penetration rate of mobile services was 67% in 2022.
Meeting growing demand and connecting the previously unconnected is expected to enable Yahsat to increase its revenues as it accelerates efforts to venture into emerging sectors with high potential for lucrative growth. The company is one of the founding members of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) launched on February 9 with the aim of promoting the D2D ecosystem across the world.
During the first nine months of 2023, the company’s operations in Africa generated revenue of USD 13.15 million, an increase of 6.3% compared to USD 12.37 million recorded during the same period in 2022 Africa therefore contributed 4.07% to Yahsat’s total revenue which amounted to USD 322.5 million at the end of the first nine months of 2023.
Source: Agency EcoFin
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