Es’hailSat at IBC2014

Es’hail 1 satellite is operational and providing high quality, premium DTH content at 25.5 / 26 degrees East neighborhood. Es’hail 2 just ordered.

Stand B74- Hall 4
Es’hail 1 Highlights:

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

Amsterdam, 13th September, 2014 – Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, is exhibiting at the annual IBC exhibition in Amsterdam, which attracts key players from the dynamic and fast-growing broadcast, digital media and satellite sectors. The company is showcasing Es’hail 1, the first satellite for the State of Qatar, which commenced operations on 18th December 2013, Qatar’s National Day. Es’hail 1 is already providing high quality, premium DTH television content from the 25.5/26 degrees East neighborhood for leading channels such as Al Jazeera and beIN Sports.

Es’hailSat was established in 2010 and 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 company’s satellite fleet will enable customers to substantially increase their broadcasting capability in HD and Ultra HD 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.

Es’hailSat, through its existing and planned satellites, broadcasts diversified and high quality content with anti-jamming capabilities across the MENA region. Es’hail 1 is currently being used to transmit premium news and sports channel bouquets for Al Jazeera and beIN Sports. And the company was very proud to provide beIN Sports with capacity for high definition broadcasting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

With the success of Es’hail 1, the company is already pushing ahead with plans to expand its satellite fleet. Following an international consultation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) has been selected to build the company’s second satellite, Es’hail 2. The new high-performance satellite will be positioned at the 26 degrees East hotspot position for TV broadcasting and significantly adds to the company’s ability to provide high quality, premium DTH television content across the Middle East and North Africa. Es’hail 2 is expected to launch at the end of 2016. And discussions are already ongoing with customers and stakeholders to define the requirements for a further satellite – Es’hail 3.

Ali Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Es’hailSat, commented: “We are delighted to participate once again at IBC. With our first satellite Es’hail 1 currently broadcasting premium content for the MENA, and with future satellites planned, IBC is an important occasion where Es’hailSat can confirm its position as a credible satellite operator for the region. We see this exhibition as a key element in our strategy to attract customers who value broadcasting independence, quality of service and market penetration”.