ictQATAR today published the license to provide Public Satellite Telecommunications Networks and Services License issued to Qatar’s first satellite company Es’hailSat. The License is effective from October 7, 2013 and will remain valid for a period of 25 years from this date. The License will enable Qatar’s first satellite launched successfully on August 29, 2013 to provide public satellite telecommunication services in Qatar.
The License was finalized taking into account the responses received from the telecoms industry following the public consultation on “Public Satellite Telecommunications Networks and Services License and Associated Frequency License” (the Consultation) released by ictQATAR on July 21, 2013. ictQATAR’s response to the Consultation along with the copies of individual responses received can be found here.
Es’hailSat’s “Public Satellite Telecommunications Networks and Services License” can be found here.
Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, is the first satellite company of Qatar. It will provide independent, high quality, critical capacity that Qatar will need for 2022 and beyond. It will also supply important additional connectivity, services, and redundancy, with Es’hailSat’s satellites poised to become a cornerstone of Qatar’s advanced communications industry—including providing an independent access to satellite capacity for Qatar’s TV broadcasters, an alternative route for essential data connections outside Qatar and providing capacity for security and disaster recovery purposes.
Es’hailSat’s next-generation satellites are envisioned to facilitate affordable broadband delivery, television and global connectivity. Its fleet can also deliver broadband in areas with low population density outside of urban areas (which is not economically viable currently), where many Qataris have residences and/or providing the supporting communications infrastructure for many of Qatar’s overseas investments. As such, Es’hailSat will be an important part of fulfilling Qatar’s National Vision 2030.