Etisalat strikes satellite broadband deal

UAE telco Etisalat signed a multi-year agreement with fixed satellite operator Intelsat that will expand the reach of its broadband and GSM services

The satellite capacity, which is due to come online in March 2012, will bolster coverage for the Abu Dhabi operator's customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central Asia.

"This important agreement will provide Etisalat with the capability to meet the growing communications requirements of our customers," said the telecoms’ vice president of carrier and wholesale services, Ali Amiri.

Jean Philippe Gillet, Intelsat's regional vice president of sales for Europe and the Middle East said: “Intelsat 22 is the first of five satellites expected to launch in 2012 that will provide additional capacity over key regions like the Middle East, Africa and Asia."

The satellite will carry two Ku-band mobility beams providing coverage of the Indian Ocean region, which will blanket vital maritime and aeronautical routes.

In addition, Intelsat 22 will have Ku-band capacity serving the Middle East and eastern Africa. Its C-band beams coverage provides connectivity to and from most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and eastern Asia.