Hubbry Logo
Arab Satellite Communications OrganizationArab Satellite Communications OrganizationMain
Open search
Arab Satellite Communications Organization
Community hub
Arab Satellite Communications Organization
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Arab Satellite Communications Organization
Arab Satellite Communications Organization
Arab Satellite Communications Organization
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (often abbreviated as Arabsat) is a communications satellite operator in the Arab World, headquartered in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Arabsat was created to deliver satellite-based, public and private telecommunications services to the Arab States, in accordance with International Standards. With 21 member countries, the organization plays a vital role of enhancing communications in the Arab World.[1]

Key Information

The Arabsat satellites are a series of geostationary communications satellites launched from 1985 through 2019. Some of the later satellites in the series remain operational in orbit, while others have been retired and are derelict.

History

[edit]

The foundation of Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) dates from the late 1960s. In 1967, information ministers of Arab states developed a series of principles in relation to a satellite network, to create an integration of social and cultural activities among the Arab League countries. On the other hand, the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) was established in 1969. Saudi Arabia did not join this Egypt-led and Cairo-based union until 1974, most probably due to the tense relationship between Saudi Arabia and Egypt at the time.

On 14 April 1976, Arabsat was formed under Arab League jurisdiction with the goal of serving the information, cultural and educational needs of its member states. Saudi Arabia was the main financier of the new organization due to its expanded financial resources as a result of its flourishing oil-exporting industry. Riyadh housed Arabsat's headquarters.

The first launch Arabsat-1A was performed by a French Ariane rocket. The American Space Shuttle Discovery launched Arabsat's second satellite, Arabsat-1B, in 1985. Arabsat-1A and -1B were switched off in 1992 and 1993, respectively.

Shareholders

[edit]
Arab League members and Arabsat shareholders

All Arab League states except for Comoros are shareholders of Arabsat:[2]

Satellites

[edit]
Satellite Launch Date Launch Site Launcher Mass Status Note
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-1A 8 February 1985 European Union ELA-1 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane 3 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-1B 17 June 1985 United States LC-39A Kennedy Space Center United States Space Shuttle/PAM-D Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-1C 26 February 1992 European Union ELA-2 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane-44LP H10 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-1D 8 November 1984 United States LC-39A Kennedy Space Center United States Space Shuttle/PAM-D Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-1E 28 July 1983 United States SLC-17A Cape Canaveral United States Delta 3920/PAM-D Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-2A 9 July 1996 European Union ELA-2 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane-44LP H10-3 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-2B 13 November 1996 European Union ELA-2 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane-44LP H10-3 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-2C (Badr C) 28 August 1997 Kazakhstan Site 81/23 Baikonur Cosmodrome Russia Proton-K/DM-03 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-2D (Badr-2) 9 October 1998 United States SLC-36B Cape Canaveral United States Atlas-2A Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-3A (Badr-3) 26 February 1999 European Union ELA-2 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane-44LP H10-3 Decommissioned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-4A (Badr-1) 28 February 2006 Kazakhstan Site 200/39 Baikonur Cosmodrome Russia Proton-M/Briz-M Failed
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-4B (Badr-4) 8 November 2006 Kazakhstan Site 200/39 Baikonur Cosmodrome Russia Proton-M/Briz-M In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-4AR (Badr-6) 7 July 2008 European Union ELA-3 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane 5 ECA In Service Replacement Satellite for Arabsat- 4A
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-5A 26 June 2010 European Union ELA-3 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane 5 ECA In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-5B (Badr-5) 3 June 2010 Kazakhstan Site 200/39 Baikonur Cosmodrome Russia Proton-M/Briz-M In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-5C 21 September 2011 European Union ELA-3 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane 5 ECA In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-6A 11 April 2019 United States LC-39A Kennedy Space Center United States Falcon Heavy In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-6B (Badr-7) 10 November 2015 European Union ELA-3 Guiana Space Centre European Union Ariane 5 ECA In Service
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-6C TBA United States TBA United States TBA Planned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-6D TBA United States TBA United States TBA Planned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-6E TBA United States TBA United States TBA Planned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-7A 2026 United States SLC-40 Cape Canaveral United States Falcon 9 Block 5 Planned
Saudi Arabia Arabsat-7B (Badr-8) 27 May 2023 United States SLC-40 Cape Canaveral United States Falcon 9 Block 5 In Service

Arabsat-1

[edit]

Arabsat-1 was the model designator for a series of first-generation satellites built by an international team led by Aérospatiale of France. It is a satellite with three-axis stabilized Spacebus 100 spacecraft with two deployable solar array wings, making it almost 68 ft (21 m) long and over 18 ft (5.5 m) wide when deployed in orbit. It weighs about 2,800 lb (1,300 kg) in its initial orbit, but some 1,490 lb (680 kg) of this is propellant. It has an onboard low-thrust motor that utilizes hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, and transfers from an initial elliptical to geosynchronous orbit by firing this motor. The remaining propellant is then used for station-keeping or moving over the life of the satellite.

Arabsat-1A, the first Arabsat satellite, was launched by Ariane on 8 February 1985. Shortly after launch it suffered a solar panel extension malfunction. Coupled with other failures, the satellite was soon relegated to backup status until it was abandoned completely in late 1991.

Arabsat-1B, the second flight model, was deployed in June 1985, from the Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-51-G, and placed into service near 26.0° east, and remained in operation until mid-1992.[3]

Arabsat-1C, the third satellite of the series, was launched by Ariane on 26 February 1992, as a stop-gap measure to maintain network services until the Arabsat second generation spacecraft became available.

Arabsat-1D, was renamed from the Anik-D2 (a Hughes HS-376 bus originally carrying 24 active C-band transponders).

Arabsat-2

[edit]

By the end of 1994, the Arabsat system had been reduced to only one operational satellite.[4] A contract for two Arabsat second-generation satellites was signed with Aérospatiale in April 1993, to build several additional comsats based on the Spacebus 3000A platform.

Arabsat-2A, was launched on 9 July 1996.

Arabsat-2B, was launched on 13 November 1996.

Arabsat-2C was leased from PAS-5 in May 2002 and moved from the Western Hemisphere during November 2002 to a position at 26.0° E.

Arabsat-2D was leased from Hot Bird 5 and moved from the position 13.0° E during November 2002 to a position at 26.0° E.

Arabsat-3

[edit]

On 7 November 1996, a contract was signed with Aérospatiale (Alcatel) to provide the first of the third-generation satellites, to be based on a Spacebus 3000B2 platform.

Badr-3 (technically: Arabsat-3A), weighed 2,708 kilograms (5,970 lb) (at launch) and 1,646 kilograms (3,629 lb) (in orbit), was launched by a launcher Ariane-44L (# 28) (V-116) from ELA-2 at Centre Spatial Guyanais at 26.0° East with a lifespan of 15 years, as the first satellite of the third generation, on 26 February 1999 at 22:44:00 UTC.[5] Half of its 20 transponders Ku were switched off on 7 December 2001 after a solar-panel malfunction.

Arabsat-4

[edit]

Arabsat let a contract on 22 October 2003 for the manufacture and launch of the fourth generation of Arabsat satellites, based on the Astrium's Eurostar E2000+ platform and Alcatel Space payload. The first of these, Arabsat-4A, was lost in space due to a launcher failure.[6][7][8] This led to the ordering of Badr-6 (technically: Arabsat-4AR) on 31 May 2006. The second fourth generation satellite, named Badr-4 (technically: Arabsat-4B), was launched on 8 November 2006. BADR-6 was launched on 7 July 2008 on an Ariane 5, to replace the lost Arabsat-4A.[9]

Arabsat-5

[edit]

Arabsat let a contract on 16 June 2007 for the manufacture and launch of the fifth generation of Arabsat satellites, based on the Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform and Thales Alenia Space payloads:

  • The first of the fifth-generation satellites, named Badr-5 (technically: Arabsat-5B), was launched by Proton at Arabsat's 26.0° East Direct-to-Home television "Hot Spot" on 3 June 2010.
  • The second of the fifth-generation satellites, Arabsat-5A, was launched by Ariane at the 30.5° East orbital location on 26 June 2010.[10]
  • The third of the fifth-generation satellites, Arabsat-5C, was launched to the new 20.0° East orbital location on 21 September 2011, on an Ariane 5.[11]

Arabsat-6

[edit]
  • Badr-7 (Arabsat-6B) was launched successfully in tandem with GSat-15 on 10 November 2015 from the Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, atop an Ariane 5 launcher.
  • The launch of Arabsat-6A with a Falcon Heavy rocket was on 11 April 2019.[12]

Arabsat-7

[edit]

Arabsat signed a contract on 29 April 2022 with Europe’s Thales Alenia Space, which will build the Arabsat 7A satellite based on its Space Inspire platform. The satellite is Arabsat's first fully software-defined geostationary satellite and will provide coverage across the Middle East, Africa and parts of Europe. It is expected to replace most of the existing C and Ku-band capacity at 30.5 East that is provided by Arabsat 5A and is approaching end-of-life.[13]

Arabsat 7B (Badr 8) launched on a Falcon 9 on May 27, 2023.[14]

Controversies

[edit]

In July 2019, some of the biggest football authorities that control the Premier League, World Cup and Champions League, called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to stop its homegrown piracy of TV and streaming service, illicitly broadcasting matches globally via Arabsat. Saudi was strongly criticized in a letter issued by sports bodies including, FIFA, UEFA, Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A along with the Asian Football Confederation.[15] The letter was issued after 18 months of failed efforts at legally challenging Saudi Arabia to block beoutQ for pirate broadcasting the entire World Cup 2018.[16] The authorities said in a joint statement, "We collectively condemn in the strongest possible terms the ongoing theft of our intellectual property by the pirate broadcaster known as beoutQ and call on the authorities in Saudi Arabia to support us in ending the widespread and flagrant breaches of our intellectual property rights".

The sporting bodies have also accused nine Saudi Arabian legal firms of not taking on their copyright infringement case, following which the authorities are seeking to adopt other means for the shut down of the state-run broadcaster.[17]

Services

[edit]
  • Direct To Home (DTH) television broadcasting
  • Broadband and Telephony backbone connectivity
  • Satellite Internet
  • VSATs

Fleet

[edit]

In January 2023, Arabsat owned eight operational satellites, at three orbital positions: 20° East, 26° East and 30.5° East.[18]

Planned Launches

[edit]
  • Arabsat-7A scheduled 2026[20]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Arab Satellite Communications Organization

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) is an intergovernmental entity established in 1976 by 21 member states of the to deliver satellite-based telecommunications, broadcasting, and data services across the . Headquartered in , , Arabsat functions as a wholly owned initiative of the , with ownership shares distributed among participating states, holding the largest stake at 36.7 percent, followed by at 14.6 percent and at 11.3 percent. Arabsat operates a fleet of more than six geostationary satellites positioned at over three orbital slots, enabling coverage for direct-to-home television, enterprise connectivity, and solutions primarily serving the . The organization maintains control stations in and , positioning itself as the preeminent operator in the region with over 47 years of operational experience and annual revenues surpassing $200 million as of 2023. While Arabsat has advanced pan-Arab communications infrastructure, it has encountered disputes, notably allegations of enabling unauthorized content distribution such as the sports piracy broadcasts, which it refuted as and successfully challenged in court rulings affirming its non-involvement.

History

Founding and Establishment (1976–1984)

The (Arabsat) was formally established on April 14, 1976, through an intergovernmental agreement signed by 21 member states of the , including , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , the , , and others comprising the League's roster at the time. The initiative aimed to create a unified to address the region's gaps, particularly in , , and data transmission, fostering greater connectivity across vast geographic distances. This establishment reflected broader efforts to enhance collective technological infrastructure amid post-colonial development priorities and the oil boom's economic leverage in Gulf states. Headquartered in , , Arabsat was structured as an autonomous entity under oversight, with a comprising representatives from states and a for operational management. emerged as the primary funder and largest , contributing significantly to initial capital subscriptions estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, alongside and other Gulf members, which together financed feasibility studies and system design. Ownership was apportioned based on population and economic contributions, with shares allocated proportionally among members to ensure equitable control. From 1976 to 1984, the organization prioritized preparatory infrastructure, including the construction of earth stations in Riyadh and Tunisia for satellite control and telemetry, as well as technical consultations with international firms like Aerospatiale for satellite procurement. These efforts involved spectrum coordination with the International Telecommunication Union and system simulations to cover the Arab world's footprint from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. By 1984, Arabsat had finalized contracts for its inaugural geostationary satellites, setting the stage for operational launches, though delays in technology integration and funding disbursements from some members extended the pre-operational phase. This period underscored challenges in coordinating diverse national interests within a pan-Arab framework, yet laid the groundwork for regional self-reliance in space-based communications.

Initial Launches and Operational Challenges (1985–1990s)

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization achieved its inaugural launch with Arabsat-1A on February 8, 1985, aboard an Ariane 3 rocket from the ELA-1 launch pad at the in , . The 1,170 kg , based on the Spacebus-1000 platform, featured 25 C-band and 2 S-band designed for a 7-year lifespan, with initial positioning targeted at 20° East to serve and across 21 member states. However, immediately post-deployment, a extension malfunction—attributed to mechanical interference during the deployment sequence—severely restricted power output to below operational levels, while subsequent subsystem failures further impaired functionality. This relegated Arabsat-1A to limited backup capacity, operating at reduced efficacy until its abandonment in late 1991. Arabsat-1B followed on June 17, 1985, deployed from the during mission, marking the first Arab satellite launched by a U.S. vehicle amid prior shuttle-related concerns from 1984 Palapa B-2 and Westar 6 incidents. Weighing 1,270 kg, it successfully reached at 26° East, delivering full transponder capacity for telephony, television relay, and data services, thereby compensating for Arabsat-1A's shortcomings and enabling initial regional connectivity. The satellite maintained primary operations until fuel depletion ended station-keeping in summer 1992, after approximately 7 years of service. By the early 1990s, fleet aging prompted the launch of Arabsat-1C on February 26, 1992, using an Ariane-44L H10 from , with a mass of 1,360 kg and similar configuration. Stationed at 31° East, it provided interim coverage extension but operated only until late 1994 before transfer to the Indian Space Research Organisation, where it was redesignated Insat-2DT and continued service until 1997. These early years highlighted operational challenges stemming from technical unreliability, including deployable appendage failures like the solar array issue on Arabsat-1A, which stemmed from design or environmental factors during orbit insertion. The short effective lifespans—exacerbated by limitations and unforeseen degradations—resulted in coverage gaps and dependency on a single primary for much of the period, constraining capacity amid rising demand for pan-Arab broadcasting and telecom links. Financial pressures from high launch costs, ground upkeep, and the need for expedited replacements further strained resources, as multi-state ownership led to coordination delays in and . Despite these hurdles, the launches established foundational , with Arabsat-1B's success enabling initial service to over 20 member nations by the late .

Expansion and Modernization (2000s–Present)

In the 2000s, Arabsat renewed its aging fleet to address increasing demand for television broadcasting and data services across the Middle East and North Africa, launching the fourth-generation Arabsat-4B (also designated Badr-4) on November 8, 2006, via Proton-M from Baikonur Cosmodrome. This satellite, positioned at 26° East, featured 16 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, enabling higher power output and broader coverage compared to prior models. Follow-up deployments included Arabsat-4AR (Badr-6) on July 7, 2008, which extended Ku-band capacity at the same slot with 32 transponders optimized for direct-to-home services. The 2010s saw further expansion into fifth- and sixth-generation satellites, with Arabsat-5A launched on June 26, 2010, by to 30.5° East, incorporating 38 Ku-band transponders for enhanced video distribution. Arabsat-5C followed on April 27, 2012, introducing C- and Ka-band capabilities at 20° East to support and multi-mission applications. A milestone came with Badr-7 (Arabsat-6B) on November 10, 2015, launched by from , which boosted Ku-band throughput at 26° East with 48 high-power transponders designed for dense population centers. Into the 2020s, Arabsat accelerated modernization through high-capacity launches and technological upgrades, including on April 11, 2019, via to 30.5° East on a modernized A2100 platform supporting multi-beam Ku-band operations for improved efficiency. The most recent addition, Badr-8 (Arabsat-7B), launched May 27, 2023, by , replaces legacy assets at 26° East with 20+ Ku-band transponders and augmented power for sustained broadcasting dominance. These efforts have grown the operational fleet to eight geostationary satellites across three primary slots (20° East, 26° East, 30.5° East), incorporating Ka-band for interactive broadband and ground system upgrades via partners like iDirect to enable / backhaul. Capacity expansions prioritize reliable coverage over MENA regions, , and parts of and , driven by rising video and connectivity needs without reliance on unsubstantiated demand forecasts from biased regional analyses.

Governance and Ownership

Shareholder Composition

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) is an intergovernmental entity owned by the governments of 21 member states from the , excluding , which established its capital through contributions from these shareholders upon founding in 1976. Ownership stakes reflect initial and subsequent capital subscriptions, with decision-making influenced by shareholdings in the General Assembly. Saudi Arabia maintains the dominant position as the largest shareholder with a 36.7% stake, a figure consistently reported in financial disclosures and analyses of the organization's structure, underscoring its pivotal financial and operational leadership. follows with 14.6%, at 11.3%, and holding 9.8%, comprising the primary contributors that together account for over 70% of equity.
CountryOwnership Percentage
36.7%
14.6%
11.3%
9.8%
4.7%
4.0%
3.8%
2.5%
The remaining equity is distributed among additional member states including , , , , , , , , , and others, typically in shares under 2% each, ensuring broad but uneven representation aligned with economic capacities at inception. These proportions have remained stable since the organization's early capitalization phases, with no major reallocations documented in public records as of 2023.

Organizational Structure and Decision-Making

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) operates as an intergovernmental entity owned by 21 member states of the , with governance centered on a that represents these shareholders and holds ultimate authority over strategic decisions. The Board, comprising high-level officials nominated by member states, convenes periodically to approve major initiatives, including satellite procurements, orbital slot acquisitions, and executive appointments; for instance, in September 2021, the Board selected Eng. Haitham Al-Ohali, 's Vice Minister of Telecommunications and , as Chairman, reflecting the influence of larger shareholders like , which maintains the organization's headquarters in . Decisions are typically made through voting weighted by shareholdings, where holds the largest stake at approximately 36.7%, followed by (14.6%) and (11.3%), enabling consensus-driven but potentially dominant input from key contributors on issues such as service expansions or geopolitical broadcasting disputes. Operational decision-making flows from the Board to the President and CEO, who leads the Executive Management Team in implementing policies and managing day-to-day affairs, including technical operations, partnerships, and financial oversight. As of August 2025, Dr. Badr Alsuwaidan serves as President and CEO, having previously acted in an interim capacity since 2021 following the Board's acceptance of the prior CEO's resignation; the executive team includes key roles such as Eng. Yaser Hassan (likely overseeing technical operations), Mohannad Abdulaziz Almurshed (financial management), and Salem H. Al-Khalifah (commercial or administrative functions), though specific titles beyond the CEO are not publicly detailed in organizational disclosures. The CEO reports directly to the Board and has authority over tactical choices, such as managed service offerings or alliances with entities like Telesat for hybrid satellite systems, but major capital expenditures or amendments to the founding agreement—ratified by member states via national laws, as in Libya's Law No. 84 of 1976—require Board approval to ensure alignment with collective Arab interests. This structure, established under the 1976 Arab Satellite Communications Organization Agreement, prioritizes multilateral oversight to mitigate risks in a capital-intensive sector, yet it has faced criticisms for politicized outcomes, such as the 2015 decision to halt of Lebanon's channel amid regional tensions, highlighting how shareholder divergences—often between Gulf states and others—can influence content and operational priorities over purely technical merits. Internal committees under the Board likely handle specialized areas like finance and audits, while the Riyadh-based headquarters coordinates with satellite control stations in and elsewhere, ensuring redundancy in decision execution. Overall, the model's emphasis on state representation fosters regional unity in but can delay agile responses compared to private operators, as evidenced by Arabsat's measured adoption of multi-orbit strategies only after Board-vetted partnerships in 2025.

Satellite Fleet

Geostationary Satellites

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization operates a fleet of geostationary satellites at orbital positions of 20° East, 26° East, and 30.5° East, providing fixed coverage over the , , , and parts of and . These satellites primarily utilize C-band for wide-area broadcasting and resilience against weather interference, Ku-band for direct-to-home television and VSAT networks, and Ka-band for high-throughput data applications, enabling services such as over 1,000 television channels and connectivity to remote regions. The 26° East slot, hosting the Badr series, serves as the primary hub for high-capacity broadcasting, with overlapping satellites ensuring redundancy and expanded transponder availability for direct broadcast services reaching populations across the Arab League states. Badr-5 (also designated Arabsat-5B), launched on June 3, 2010, from Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Proton-M rocket, carries 56 Ku- and Ka-band transponders to support television backhaul and extended coverage including North Africa. Badr-8 (Arabsat-7B), launched on May 27, 2023, via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, employs an Airbus Eurostar Neo platform with all-electric propulsion, a launch mass of 4.5 metric tons, and 17.8 kW of power for a 15-year design life, bolstering Ku-band capacity at this position. At 30.5° East, Arabsat-5A, launched on June 26, 2010, by from , , operates on an EADS Eurostar-3000 bus with a launch mass of approximately 4,800 kg and 11 kW end-of-life power, featuring 16 active C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders for and media distribution across , the , and . Arabsat-6A, deployed on April 11, 2019, aboard a , uses a A2100EX platform with a launch mass of 6,000 kg, supporting advanced Ku- and Ka-band payloads for broadband and mobility services in this slot.
Satellite NameOrbital PositionLaunch DateLaunch VehicleKey Specifications
Badr-5 (Arabsat-5B)26° EastJune 3, 201056 Ku/Ka-band transponders; 5,420 kg launch mass; 15-year design life
Arabsat-5A30.5° EastJune 26, 2010 ECA16 C-band + 24 Ku-band transponders; Eurostar-3000 bus; 4,800 kg launch mass
Badr-8 (Arabsat-7B)26° EastMay 27, 2023Eurostar Neo bus; all-electric propulsion; 4.5-ton launch mass; 15-year life
Arabsat-6A30.5° EastApril 11, 2019A2100EX bus; Ku/Ka-band payloads; 6,000 kg launch mass
Arabsat-5C at 20° East complements the fleet with additional Ku-band capacity for strategic western coverage extensions. The overall GEO infrastructure emphasizes in-orbit backups and high effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) levels exceeding 50 dBW over core Arab regions to ensure robust signal reception with standard parabolic antennas.

Hybrid and Multi-Orbit Initiatives

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) has pursued hybrid and multi-orbit strategies to complement its geostationary (GEO) satellite fleet with (LEO) capabilities, aiming to reduce latency, enhance broadband speeds, and expand coverage in underserved regions across the , , and beyond. This approach integrates GEO's wide-area broadcast strengths with LEO's low-latency, high-throughput connectivity, addressing demands for resilient, multi-gigabit services in enterprise, government, and mobility sectors. Arabsat's CEO, Alhamedi Alanezi, described these efforts as a "major milestone" in positioning the organization at the forefront of . A pivotal development occurred in March 2024, when Arabsat entered a strategic partnership with to incorporate the Lightspeed LEO constellation into its multi-orbit offerings, targeting the (MENA) region. This was formalized in May 2025 through a capacity agreement allowing Arabsat to access Telesat's LEO network for integrated services, enabling seamless handoffs between orbits and improved efficiency for applications like backhaul and IoT. The deal builds on a prior , with Arabsat planning to deploy multi-orbit terminals for hybrid connectivity in , the , (EMEA), and . Arabsat has also explored complementary technologies, such as agreements with Quadsat for advanced satellite monitoring to support multi-orbit operations, ensuring interference mitigation and network optimization across hybrid architectures. While primarily focused on LEO integration, these initiatives reflect broader industry trends toward constellation , though Arabsat has noted unresolved technical challenges like spectrum coordination and ground infrastructure in earlier considerations dating to 2022. No medium Earth orbit (MEO) partnerships have been publicly detailed as of October 2025.

Services and Operations

Core Telecommunications Services

Arabsat's core telecommunications services encompass satellite-based data transmission, broadband connectivity, and voice network extensions, primarily delivered via its geostationary orbit (GEO) fleet positioned at key orbital slots such as 26° East and 30.5° East. These services support public and private sector needs across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa, facilitating reliable backhaul for mobile operators, enterprise VPNs, and remote internet access where terrestrial infrastructure is limited. Key offerings include (VSAT) networks, which provide managed, high-capacity data links starting at 140 Mbps for telecommunications providers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and internet service providers (ISPs). In a 2025 agreement with First Gulf Company (FGC), Arabsat enables exclusive VSAT deployments across , with projected capacity growth exceeding 70% over the contract term, leveraging C-band and Ku-band transponders for robust, low-latency connections in underserved regions. Ka-band services further enhance capabilities, featuring 24 high-powered spot beams and 97% service availability for IP-based applications. Voice services are integrated through satellite extensions of IP networks, supporting VoIP and for , though specific circuit volumes are not publicly detailed beyond historical ARABSAT contributions to regional circuits numbering in the hundreds for inter-Arab connectivity. Partnerships, such as with iDirect for broadband managed services on BADR-7 and BADR-6A satellites, emphasize scalable, end-to-end solutions including hub management via platforms like neXat, enabling single-application oversight of multi-hub operations for efficient spectrum use. These services adhere to international standards, prioritizing interference-resistant technologies like single-channel per carrier (SCPC) and multiple-channel per carrier (MCPC) modulation for data and voice payloads, with coverage optimized for the member states.

Broadcasting and Data Connectivity

Arabsat's broadcasting services encompass direct-to-home (DTH) television distribution, global TV transmission, , and ancillary operations such as content contribution, back-haul, and occasional use feeds. The organization transmits more than 650 television channels, including over 160 in high definition, and approximately 245 radio stations via its geostationary fleet positioned at orbital slots like 26° East (Badr series) and 20° East (Arabsat-5C). These services leverage advanced compression, , and IP integration technologies to ensure flexible footprints, interference mitigation, and 100% in-orbit redundancy, enabling reliable delivery to millions of households across the , , , and . Specialized packages include Arabsat , an online bouquet providing live access to premium channels, and SEE-digital-ALL, a C-band offering of over 30 channels on Arabsat-5C targeted at African markets. In May 2025, Arabsat introduced cloud-based services powered by Grass Valley's AMPP platform to enhance non-linear video and over-the-top (OTT) capabilities for broadcasters in the MENA region. Complementing broadcasting, Arabsat's data connectivity solutions focus on VSAT networks, broadband internet, and enterprise-grade data services to support voice, video, and IP traffic expansion. These offerings cover the MENA region, , and parts of , utilizing C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band transponders for robust, high-throughput links suitable for remote and underserved areas. The Badr-7 satellite at 26° East features Ka-band capacity with 24 high-powered spot beams and four gateways, enabling high-speed internet and managed broadband services. Enterprise solutions include hybrid multi-orbit integrations, such as a May 2025 agreement with for multi-Gbps capacity from the Lightspeed LEO constellation to augment geostationary coverage and reduce latency. Strategic partnerships underscore Arabsat's data expansion efforts, including a July 2025 deal with First Gulf Company (FGC) to provide exclusive VSAT and satellite data services throughout , targeting government, enterprise, and rural connectivity needs. An additional January 2025 collaboration with ZainTech aims to deliver satellite-enabled and (IoT) solutions, leveraging Arabsat's orbital assets for secure, low-latency data transport in dynamic environments. These initiatives prioritize scalable, interference-resistant , though operational challenges like allocation persist in densely populated orbital neighborhoods.

Partnerships and Managed Solutions

Arabsat has pursued strategic partnerships to bolster its managed solutions portfolio, focusing on VSAT networks, broadband connectivity, and integrated satellite services across the , , and beyond. In May 2024, the organization strengthened its collaboration with iDirect to expand market access for broadband managed services on the BADR-7 and BADR-6A satellites, leveraging iDirect's hub infrastructure for end-to-end connectivity solutions targeting new audiences. This partnership supports Arabsat's ambitions in seamless data and IP-based services for enterprise and government users. Complementing these efforts, Arabsat signed a deal with neXat in May 2024 to deploy multi-continental managed satellite services via the neXat platform, enabling unified management of diverse hubs through a single application for enhanced operational efficiency in and applications. In July 2025, Arabsat partnered with (FGC), a Saudi VSAT integrator, to deliver exclusive VSAT and satellite services throughout , aiming to accelerate in public and private sectors by combining Arabsat's orbital capacity with FGC's ground infrastructure. To advance hybrid multi-orbit capabilities, Arabsat executed a term sheet with Telesat in May 2025 for multi-Gbps capacity from Telesat Lightspeed LEO services, integrating low-Earth orbit connectivity into its managed portfolio for resilient, high-throughput solutions. In broadcasting, a May 2025 agreement with Grass Valley introduced cloud-based playout services powered by AMPP technology, facilitating scalable video distribution across the MENA region and marking a shift toward digital-native managed workflows. These alliances underscore Arabsat's emphasis on value-added managed services, including VSAT deployments for remote connectivity and customized data solutions, often tailored to regional infrastructure needs.

Technical and Operational Challenges

Satellite Failures and Reliability Issues

The Arabsat-1A satellite, launched on February 3, 1985, experienced a extension malfunction immediately after deployment, followed by additional subsystem failures that limited its operational capacity and relegated it to a role within months. Subsequent early-generation satellites, such as Arabsat-1B and 1C, faced similar challenges including power and degradation, contributing to reduced reliability in the organization's initial fleet during the and early . A major launch anomaly occurred on February 28, , when a rocket carrying Arabsat-4A failed to execute the full burn of its Breeze-M upper stage, stranding the in a low, unusable at approximately 500 kilometers altitude instead of geostationary position. This incident, attributed to a propulsion system error in the Russian booster, resulted in the total loss of the $150 million without any salvageable operations. More recently, the BADR-6 satellite at 26° East suffered a complete outage on February 6, 2023, due to a thruster malfunction linked to the satellite's nearing end-of-design-life status after 15 years in orbit. Arabsat engineers attempted restarts but confirmed the failure, prompting traffic migration to adjacent satellites like BADR-7 and BADR-8 to maintain service continuity for broadcasting and telecommunications users. These events highlight recurring vulnerabilities in Arabsat's fleet, including dependence on aging hardware and external launch providers, though across multiple orbital slots has mitigated widespread disruptions. Historical data indicates that and power system faults, often exacerbated by extended operational lifespans beyond initial specifications, account for a significant portion of documented outages.
SatelliteLaunch DateFailure Date/IncidentPrimary CauseImpact
Arabsat-1AFebruary 3, 1985Immediate post-launch (1985)Solar panel malfunction; subsystem failuresReduced capacity; backup status
Arabsat-4APlanned 2006February 28, 2006 (launch)Upper stage propulsion shortfallTotal loss; stranded in low orbit
BADR-6August 2013February 6, 2023Thruster malfunction (end-of-life)Complete outage; traffic shifted to backups

Spectrum Management and Interference

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) manages its spectrum resources in compliance with (ITU) regulations, which require coordination of frequency assignments and orbital positions to minimize interference with adjacent satellite networks. Arabsat's satellite filings, such as those for the Badr series at 26° East and 30.5° East, involve detailed compatibility analyses to ensure protection ratios are maintained, particularly in crowded Ku-band and C-band segments shared with operators like and Turksat. These processes include ITU notifications and studies to assess potential harmful interference, as demonstrated in orbital slot disputes resolved through , such as the 2013 agreement with over frequencies at 25.5°-26.5° East. Interference incidents have periodically disrupted Arabsat services, often involving intentional jamming targeting specific broadcasts. In May 2014, unauthorized signals from Ethiopian territory jammed multiple television channels across Arabsat's Badr-4 and Badr-5 satellites, prompting engineers to geolocate the source using signal analysis techniques. Similarly, from early 2022, interference at 30.5°-31° East affected Arabsat operations due to signals from nearby Turksat satellites, which persisted for four months until resolved via ITU mediation enforcing frequency separation and power limits. To mitigate such issues, Arabsat employs advanced monitoring systems for real-time spectrum surveillance. In 2020, the organization deployed satellite monitoring solution to perform spectral and radio frequency measurements, enabling rapid detection of interference sources and quality-of-service degradation. Complementary geolocation tools, such as SkyMon, integrate with these systems to pinpoint terrestrial jammers, reducing response times for service restoration. In May 2025, Arabsat signed a with Quadsat to enhance through UAV-based antenna testing and interference prevention protocols, focusing on Ku-band compliance and proactive qualification of ground equipment. These efforts underscore the causal challenges of scarcity in geostationary orbits, where small angular separations amplify risks, necessitating rigorous ITU coordination and domestic enforcement against unauthorized transmissions. Despite advancements, geopolitical tensions in the region have occasionally manifested as deliberate disruptions, highlighting the limitations of technical mitigations without international regulatory adherence.

Controversies and Criticisms

Geopolitical and Broadcasting Biases

Arabsat has faced accusations of geopolitical bias through selective suspension of satellite services to media outlets aligned with regimes or groups opposed by its major member states, particularly and . In February 2011, amid the Libyan uprising, Arabsat and Egyptian operator Nilesat halted broadcasts of Muammar Gaddafi's state television channels, following calls to isolate the Libyan government. Similarly, on September 6, 2012, Arabsat suspended Syrian state television channels in coordination with Nilesat, implementing recommendations to deny airtime to Bashar al-Assad's regime during the . These actions reflect Arabsat's alignment with collective Arab state positions against perceived authoritarian holdouts, prioritizing regional consensus over neutral . Further instances underscore pressure from Gulf monarchies. In November 2015, Arabsat terminated services to Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV, a channel sympathetic to and critical of the Saudi-led coalition in , citing unpaid fees but amid threats to relocate operations from if the channel was not removed. In September 2018, Arabsat dropped Iran's state-owned Al Alam TV, officially for contractual violations, though the timing coincided with heightened Saudi-Iranian tensions. Such decisions, often framed as commercial disputes, effectively enforce geopolitical red lines, limiting dissemination of pro-Iranian or anti-coalition narratives across Arab audiences. In broadcasting, Arabsat's platform has been criticized for enabling biases inherent to state-influenced Arab media, including amplification of pan-Arab nationalist or Islamist viewpoints while marginalizing . As a carrier for over 1,000 channels serving 80 million households, it predominantly hosts government-backed outlets that align with conservative Sunni perspectives, such as those promoting anti-Western or pro-Palestinian stances without equivalent space for opposing views. During the 2017-2021 , Qatari media accused Arabsat of facilitating via the service to undermine Al Jazeera's reach, though French courts rejected these claims in 2019, affirming no technical link. Critics argue this selective access perpetuates a controlled , where dynamics—dominated by Saudi influence—shape content availability, sidelining channels deemed threats to "national unity" per regional media pacts.

International Sports Broadcasting Disputes

In 2017, amid the diplomatic rift between Qatar and several Gulf states including , the pirate broadcaster began transmitting unauthorized streams of international sports events—such as qualifiers, matches, and English games—held exclusively by Qatar-based , using capacity on Arabsat's Badr-4 and Badr-5 satellites at 26°E orbital position. Sports rights holders, including , , and the , accused Arabsat of enabling this piracy by failing to verify or block the illicit signals despite repeated notifications, estimating global losses at over $1 billion in devalued . Arabsat, a multilateral entity owned by 21 Arab League member states with Saudi Arabia holding veto power and operational influence, repeatedly denied complicity, asserting that it provides neutral satellite capacity without monitoring end-user content and had implemented blocks on beoutQ frequencies following formal complaints from rights holders in mid-2019. In legal proceedings initiated by in —leveraging Arabsat's minimal European presence— courts in June 2019 and September 2019 dismissed claims of "clear and illegal disruption," ruling that beIN failed to prove Arabsat's direct facilitation or knowledge of the , and ordering beIN to cover procedural costs exceeding €25,000. The dispute escalated internationally when Qatar filed a World Trade Organization (WTO) complaint in 2018, alleging Saudi Arabia's failure to enforce intellectual property protections under the TRIPS Agreement amid state-supported piracy; a 2020 WTO panel ruled against Saudi Arabia, finding insufficient measures to curb beoutQ's operations on Arabsat satellites, which had undermined beIN's exclusive rights to events like the 2018 FIFA World Cup. beIN subsequently pursued $1 billion in arbitration against Saudi Arabia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, citing deliberate circumvention of international obligations, while the European Commission in 2020 condemned the piracy for inflicting "considerable harm" on EU audiovisual industries. Broadcasting resumed unofficially post-2021 Al-Ula reconciliation, but the episode highlighted tensions in satellite operators' liability for downstream IP violations, with sports organizations continuing to press Arabsat for enhanced signal monitoring protocols to prevent recurrence. Critics, including neutral observers, noted that Arabsat's structure—predominantly funded and directed by Saudi interests—may have incentivized lax enforcement during the crisis, though no criminal charges were upheld against the organization itself.

Strategic Impact and Future Outlook

Achievements in Regional Connectivity

The Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat), established in 1976 by 21 member states of the , achieved a foundational milestone in regional connectivity with the launch of its first geostationary on February 8, 1985, which enabled efficient intraregional networks across the by linking disparate terrestrial systems via relays. This system facilitated voice , data transmission, and early digital services such as electronic mail and computer linkages between Arab states, addressing gaps in ground-based infrastructure prevalent in remote and underdeveloped areas. By 1985, Arabsat's operational capacity supported the integration of public and private telecom services in compliance with international standards, marking the Arab region's entry into independent communications and reducing reliance on foreign operators for cross-border connectivity. Arabsat's satellite fleet, now comprising eight geostationary satellites positioned at 20° East, 26° East, and 30.5° East, delivers comprehensive coverage footprints spanning the , , , , and , thereby enabling seamless data, voice, and broadband services tailored to the Arab world's geographic and economic needs. These satellites support fixed and mobile telecom backhaul, VSAT networks for enterprises and governments, and resilient connectivity during terrestrial disruptions such as natural disasters or conflicts, with high downlink power ensuring signal reliability in challenging terrains. For instance, Arabsat's C-band and Ku-band transponders on satellites like Arabsat-5A at 30.5° East provide targeted beams over , the , and , facilitating secure , oil and gas operations, and cellular extensions in underserved regions. Quantifiable impacts underscore Arabsat's role in bridging connectivity divides: in the (GCC) countries, 88% of households—equating to at least 7.6 million homes—rely on Arabsat's services for television reception and access as of 2021, dominating markets in , , and others. The organization carries over 650 television channels and 245 radio stations, amplifying unified content distribution and cultural exchange across Arab states while extending enterprise networks for telcos and governments. Partnerships, such as the 2024 agreement with Nilesat, further enhance and communications , solidifying Arabsat's position as the region's premier operator with over 100 cumulative years of operational expertise in fostering .

Planned Expansions and LEO Integration

In May 2025, Arabsat signed a term sheet with Telesat for access to multi-gigabit capacity from the Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, marking a strategic step toward multi-orbit hybrid services combining LEO with its existing geostationary orbit (GEO) fleet. This agreement, building on a 2024 memorandum of understanding, anticipates definitive contracts by December 2025 and positions Arabsat for early field trials ahead of Lightspeed's first satellite launches in late 2026. The Lightspeed network comprises 198 LEO satellites designed for low-latency broadband, enabling Arabsat to extend high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved regions across its 22 Arab League member states. This LEO integration supports Arabsat's broader expansion goals, including blended GEO-LEO offerings for enhanced reliability, reduced latency, and scalable bandwidth in applications like maritime, , and backhaul services. Officials from Arabsat have stated that these multi-orbit capabilities will address gaps in traditional GEO coverage, particularly in dynamic environments requiring seamless between orbits. Complementary to the partnership, Arabsat's 2023 agreement with Loft Orbital facilitates LEO-based infrastructure, allowing deployment of hosted payloads for imaging and data services tailored to needs without Arabsat developing its own constellation. These initiatives reflect Arabsat's shift from GEO-centric operations toward a diversified orbital strategy, amid competitive pressures from LEO providers like entering . No independent LEO satellite launches by Arabsat are planned as of October 2025; expansions rely on capacity leasing and partnerships to minimize capital outlay while accelerating service rollout. This approach prioritizes integration over ownership, leveraging Telesat's enterprise-focused LEO design for government and enterprise clients in the .

References

  1. https://www.arabsat.com/about-us/
  2. https://sky-brokers.com/supplier/arabsat/
  3. https://www.arabsat.com/news/al-maha-and-arabsat-join-forces-to-launch-damascus-media-gateway-powering-arab-media-renaissance/
  4. https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/1710354
  5. https://www.bna.bh/en/ArabsatwelcomesPariscourtruling.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%252BDjLjjCXZORqvwM%252Bu9FvrmsA%253D
  6. https://www.globalmediajournal.com/open-access/arab-satellite-television-between-regionalization-and-globalization-.php?aid=35056
  7. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1661436
  8. https://archive.unescwa.org/arab-satellite-communications-organization
  9. https://search.itu.int/history/HistoryDigitalCollectionDocLibrary/12.5.70.en.100.pdf
  10. https://fount.aucegypt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2865&context=retro_etds
  11. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-1a.htm
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/19/us/shuttle-lofts-satellite-for-arab-lands-and-plo.html
  13. https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/7529/1/The_Arab_satellite_and_the_television_news_and_program_exchange_between_Arab_countries.pdf
  14. https://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/198502/arabsat.-.the.launch.htm
  15. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=29526
  16. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-4a.htm
  17. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-5a.htm
  18. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-5c.htm
  19. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-badr-7-successfully-launched/
  20. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?id=2510
  21. https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2019/04/12/historic-arabsat-6a-launch-is-a-success/
  22. https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2023/05/30/spacex-launches-arabsat-badr-8-in-weekend-mission/
  23. https://www.arabsat.com/the-fleet/
  24. https://www.idirect.net/news/st-engineering-idirect-and-arabsat-strengthen-partnership-for-expanded-market-access-on-arabsat-badr-7-and-6a-broadband-managed-services/
  25. https://spacenews.com/capacity-demand-outpaces-supply-middle-east-and-africa/
  26. https://stuff.jworld.ch/al-jazeera/20%2520Vertiefungstext%252011.pdf
  27. http://argaamplus.s3.amazonaws.com/b2a273d6-20bf-4022-a169-c68f6596e083.pdf
  28. https://www.stc.com.sa/content/dam/stc/stc-annual-report-2023/assets/img/pdfs/stc_AR2023_English.pdf
  29. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arab-satellite-communications-organization-arabsat-board-of-directors/
  30. https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/08/13/new-ceo-at-arabsat/
  31. https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2021/09/10/arabsat-board-of-directors-replaces-ceo/
  32. https://www.arabsat.com/leadership/
  33. https://security-legislation.ly/latest-laws/law-no-84-of-1976-on-ratifying-the-arab-satellite-communications-organization-agreement/
  34. https://www.elgaronline.com/abstract/book/9781802207361/chapter40.xml
  35. http://syriatimes.sy/information-minister-arabsat-decision-to-stop-al-manar-broadcasting-politicized-and-unfair/
  36. https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/arabsat-signs-agreements-with-telesat-lightspeed-and-quadsat/
  37. https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2010-025A
  38. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=36592
  39. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-05-arabsat-badr-8-successfully-launched-featuring-airbus-innovative
  40. https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-badr-8-to-bolster-arabsats-satellite-fleet/
  41. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=36745
  42. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=44186
  43. https://www.telcotitans.com/infrawatch/saudi-satco-arabsat-takes-next-leo-steps-with-telesat-deal/9262.article
  44. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-enters-into-strategic-partnership-with-telesat-for-advanced-low-earth-orbit-services/
  45. https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2025/05/14/arabsat-signs-telesat-deal-for-lightspeed-capacity-pool/
  46. https://www.telesat.com/press/press-releases/arabsat-selects-telesat-lightspeed-low-earth-orbit-leo-services-for-its-multi-orbit-connectivity-portfolio/
  47. https://spacenews.com/bandwidth-hungry-regional-satellite-operators-hunting-for-options/
  48. https://www.arabsat.com/
  49. https://www.preqin.com/data/profile/asset/arab-satellite-communications-organisation-arabsat/727118
  50. https://www.arabsat.com/news/first-gulf-company-fgc-and-arabsat-will-deliver-exclusive-vsat-and-satellite-data-services-across-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/
  51. https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/18781-fgc-and-arabsat-team-up-for-vsat-services-in-saudi-arabia.html
  52. https://www.vsatplus.com/pages/arabsat-services
  53. https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/16756-arabsat-to-launch-managed-satellite-services-on-nexat-platform.html
  54. https://calhoun.nps.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d1935583-d6ab-4dc8-82e1-228e499a0c1e/content
  55. https://www.linkedin.com/company/arabsat/
  56. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0703009D:UH
  57. https://www.arabsat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Arabsat-Broadcast-Profile.pdf
  58. https://www.grassvalley.com/press-release/arabsat-launches-new-playout-services-powered-bygrass-valley-ampp-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-cloud-based-broadcasting-across-the-mena-region/
  59. https://www.arabsat.com/broadcast/
  60. https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/17862-arabsat-and-zaintech-team-for-satellite-based-cloud-and-iot-services.html
  61. https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2024/05/24/arabsat-launches-new-partnerships-for-managed-services/
  62. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-launches-multicontinental-managed-satellite-services-on-nexat-platform/
  63. https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2025/07/14/arabsat-teams-up-with-fgc-services-for-satellite-data-services/
  64. https://aviationweek.com/proton-launch-failure-leaves-arabsat-4a-stranded
  65. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/3/1/russian-rocket-fails-to-position-arabsat
  66. https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/arabsat-badr-6-satellite-outage-due-to-thruster-issue/
  67. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023/02/08/arabsat-confirms-badr-6-failure/
  68. https://satelliteprome.com/news/arabsat-confirms-failure-of-badr-6-satellite/
  69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268272464_Interference_and_Compatibility_Analysis_of_ARABSAT_vis-a-vis_EUTELSAT_Systems_and_Networks
  70. https://spacenews.com/34637eutelsat-and-arabsat-orbital-slot-dispute-near-resolution/
  71. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-is-subject-to-jamming-and-its-engineers-succeed-in-locating-its-source/
  72. https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2014/06/02/arabsat-locates-source-of-intentional-interference/
  73. https://www.spaceintelreport.com/itu-mediation-between-arabsat-and-turksat-appears-to-have-stopped-4-months-of-interference-at-30-5-31-degrees-east/
  74. https://atos.net/en/2020/press-release_2020_03_05/atos-provides-advanced-satellite-monitoring-solution-to-arabsat
  75. https://www.arabsat.com/news/satellite-traffic-management-system-to-ensure-reliability-of-services-to-end-users/
  76. https://www.arabsat.com/news/quadsat-and-arabsat-sign-mou-for-spectrum-management-and-antenna-qualification/
  77. https://syria-report.com/arab-satellite-operators-suspend-broadcast-of-syrian-channels/
  78. https://www.iemed.org/publication/state-controlled-media-has-failed-the-arab-people/
  79. https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/11/06/436550/Al-Mayadeen-Arabsat
  80. https://en.mehrnews.com/news/111707/Arabsat-suspends-Al-Mayadeen-TV-channel-over-Yemen-war-coverage
  81. https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/al-alam-tv-dropped-by-arabsat-1.574686
  82. https://fsi-live.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Satellite_Television_in_the_Arab_World_chapter.pdf
  83. https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/arab-gov-ts-accused-of-tv-censorship-1117981691/
  84. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/16/sports/fifa-beoutq-premier-league-uefa.html
  85. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49720946
  86. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/jul/31/football-world-calls-on-saudi-arabia-to-stop-pirating-of-matches
  87. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/saudi-based-arabsat-denies-distributing-pirated-sports-channel-idUSKBN1K62FB/
  88. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/french-court-sees-no-clear-and-illegal-disruption-in-gulf-sports-piracy-case-idUSKCN1TI2J2/
  89. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1556871/media
  90. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/6/16/explainer-the-piracy-case-against-saudis-beoutq-channel
  91. https://www.beinmediagroup.com/article/bein-launches-us1-billion-dollar-arbitration-against-saudi-arabia-as-legal-actions-intensify-following-beoutq-and-arabsat-mass-piracy-of-world-sport/
  92. https://www.beinmediagroup.com/article/european-commission-slams-saudi-arabia-for-causing-considerable-harm-to-eu-businesses-through-beoutq-and-arabsat-piracy/
  93. https://www.middleeasteye.net/qatar-saudi-arabia-bein-sports-returns-blockade
  94. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/sports/qatar-saudi-arabia-beoutq-bein-sports.html
  95. https://www.arabsat.com/product-services/
  96. https://techafricanews.com/2021/08/31/arabsat-chooses-axess-to-enhance-its-satellite-coverage-across-europe-middle-east-and-africa/
  97. https://satelliteprome.com/news/operators/satellite/arabsat-extends-its-reach/
  98. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-unveils-cutting-edge-contribution-platform-to-facilitate-seamless-content-distribution/
  99. https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/02/28/nilesat-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-arabsat-to-enhance-satellite-broadcasting-and-communications-services-in-the-region/
  100. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-selects-telesat-lightspeed-low-earth-orbit-leo-services-for-its-multi-orbit-connectivity-portfolio/
  101. https://spacenews.com/arabsat-seeks-telesat-lightspeed-capacity-as-starlink-expands-into-saudi-arabia/
  102. https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/satellite-communications-networks/18479-arabsat-and-telesat-agree-on-terms-for-lightspeed-leo-capacity.html
  103. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/14/3081049/0/en/Arabsat-selects-Telesat-Lightspeed-Low-Earth-Orbit-LEO-services-for-its-multi-orbit-connectivity-portfolio.html
  104. https://teletimesinternational.com/2024/arabsat-vision-industry-future/
  105. https://www.arabsat.com/news/arabsat-and-loft-orbital-partner-to-provide-leo-satellite-infrastructure/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.