[SatNews] Arabsat announced that many TV channels on-board its fleet of satellites have been the subject of intentional jamming for the past week up until May 29, 2014.
The jammer has transmitted unauthorized signals targeting different Arabsat bouquets that distribute several television channels on many transponders. Arabsat engineers used state-of-the-art technology to locate and conduct detailed analysis to identify the source of the jamming—the confirmation was received that this interference originated from Ethiopian Territories. Arabsat expresses its resentment for such an illegal act and is surprised at this interference and act of vandalism, as there are no Ethiopian or Eritrean channels broadcast within the Arabsat DTH bouquets. This jamming may be aimed at some opponents channels for one of the two countries channels that are broadcasted onboard satellites near the Arabsat 26 degrees East neighborhood, or on board other satellites with whom Arabsat has no relationship.
Arabsat assures to its customers that it is tackling this issue at national and international level. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Arab League have been informed of this issue and several efforts are currently underway to mediate this situation. Arabsat will follow up on this matter and take all of the appropriate actions to prosecute the culprit(s) with judicial authorities and the international organization and any legal means that may be deemed appropriate to ensure that any damage already incurred, or to be incurred, by the noise will not go without legal action, regardless of whether this damage is direct or indirect .
Arabsat thanks its valued customers for their understanding and support for the company as this intentional jamming is beyond its control.