Satnews Daily
February 24th, 2010

Newtec ASBU-ARABSAT — MENOS — Ecstatic About Exceptional Expansion



From left to right: Abdelrahim Suleiman (Technical Director, ASBU),Serge Van Herck (CEO, Newtec),Dr. Riyadh K. Najm (President, ASBU),Slaheddine Maaoui (Director General, ASBU)Khalid Balkeyour (President & CEO, Arabsat)Nabil A. Shanti (VP/CCO, Arabsat)
The Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Arabsat and Newtec will be able to provide additional TV/Radio contribution and exchange services to their existing users and facilitate services expansion to additional customers on this successful and growing network.

In addition to Ku-Band FSS capacity, the services will also make use of the new extended “Appendix 30B” Ku-Band transponders and will include the construction of a new Earth station in the MENOS Hub to operate on the expanded frequency range.

Arabsat has also committed to supporting the joint service platform with yet more capacity on future satellites, to satisfy the growing service demands from additional parties throughout the Middle East North African region and beyond.

Slaheddine Maaoui, Director General of the ASBU said: “Yet another MENOS milestone for us, the Arab region and the broadcasting industry as a whole. The expanded MENOS services that will be enabled by this agreement will further benefit the entire regional community”.

Khalid Balkheyour, CEO of Arabsat, added: “The continued expansion of satellite bandwidth to MENOS is one of our key strategic goals as we continue to enhance our fleet and service offerings. Our motto of ‘Our world. Your world’ has no better demonstration than in our steadfast support to our MENOS partners”.

Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec said: “The success of the MENOS network is reflected in the growing demand for additional bandwidth. It is with great pride that we see continued expansion of the platform to expand the service offering in the region”.