[SatNews] This satellite brings a new dimension to Qatar’s diversifying economy with the creation of a world-class satellite operator and center of excellence in the region

Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, is exhibiting for the first time at the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam. The company will be showcasing Es’hail 1, the first satellite in a planned global fleet, which is on schedule for launch in the second quarter of 2013. Es’hail 1 will share a spacecraft platform with the European satellite operator Eutelsat.

Located at Stand B-74, Hall 4 Es’hailSat’s highlights include:

• Ku-band for broadcasting in HD and 3D
• Ka-band for broadcasting, SNG and corporate services
• Coverage of whole MENA region from key 25.5 degrees East orbital position
• Global Connectivity to international POPs

Es’hailSat was established in 2010. Based in Doha, Qatar, the company will own and operate satellites to provide television, internet, corporate and government services to customers across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.

Es’hail is the name of a star which becomes visible in the night sky in the Middle East as summer turns to autumn. Traditionally, the sighting of Es’hail brings happiness as it means that winter is coming and that good weather will come, likewise the arrival of Es’hailSat will be beneficial for the satellite community.

Es’hailSat brings a new dimension to Qatar’s diversifying economy with the creation of a world-class satellite operator and center of excellence in the region. The satellites will enable customers to substantially increase their communications capability in broadcasting in HD and 3D and supports Qatar’s 2030 vision and commitment to meeting the sophisticated communications infrastructure the country is putting in place to host FIFA’s World Cup in 2022.

With an installed base of more than 13 million satellite homes across the region and growing demand for HDTV, Es’hailSat will provide much needed additional capacity for the Middle East and North Africa. Current TV viewers will be able to receive richer, more diversified content without installing a new dish.

Those is attendance at IBC2012 are:

• Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer
• Philip Haines, Chief Commercial Officer
• Melanie Dickie, Marketing Director
• Mohammed Nour Mehyar, MENA Sales Manager

Es’hailSat has contracted with Space Systems/Loral to build its first satellite called Es’hail 1 which will share a spacecraft platform with the European satellite operator Eutelsat. Es’hail 1 is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2013 and will provide television, voice, Internet, corporate and government services across the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.