News

UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity

The service also allows seamless connectivity for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and works irrespective of geographical location.

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2024

Nour Nasir

uae's yahsat introduces smartphone to satellite connectivity

Yahsat, a satellite services firm based in Abu Dhabi, has initiated a groundbreaking service known as “direct-2-device”, enabling seamless connectivity for smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, irrespective of geographical location.

In its initial phase, Yahsat aims to provide voice and messaging services within the current year, with plans to expand its offerings to include texting and IoT functionalities on smartphones by 2025, utilizing the forthcoming Yahsat Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, slated for launch later in the year.

A subsequent phase, dubbed Project BlueStar, is set to facilitate comprehensive direct-to-device connectivity through an adaptable satellite network.

This two-phase deployment encompasses voice, messaging, and data. Yahsat is set to provide a sneak peek of its D2D portfolio at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona later this month.

The integration of satellite-linked features into mobile devices is gaining traction. Owners of Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro can already connect to satellites for emergency texting services, and similar connectivity may soon become a standard smartphone feature.

ali al hashemi yahsat group ceo

“We are excited to launch our D2D strategy to revolutionize our industry by providing billions of people, organizations and businesses across various sectors with seamless, reliable and efficient access to connectivity,” said Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO.

“This strategy is a critical and significant part of Yahsat’s wider growth strategy. We developed our D2D strategy – Project SKY, by carefully examining our strengths and capabilities and leveraging our expertise to capitalize on evolving market conditions,” he added.

Also Read: Introducing ChatGPT’s New Feature: Conversation Recall

Yahsat’s five satellites currently cover over 80% of the global population and deliver C, Ku, Ka, and L-band satellite communication solutions to consumers, governments, and businesses across various land, maritime, and aerospace platforms.

In 2020, Yahsat commenced the construction of Thuraya 4, an advanced telecommunications system for Thuraya, scheduled for launch in 2024 and operational by 2025. Additionally, construction began last year on two ‘software-defined’ telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, anticipated to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

News

Space42 & Cobham Satcom Launch New Satellite Broadband Terminal

IP NEO has been engineered to provide uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity for sectors that rely on secure communication.

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

Nour Nasir

space42 and cobham satcom launch new satellite broadband terminal

UAE-based SpaceTech firm Space42, has teamed with Cobham Satcom, a global player in satellite communications, to introduce IP NEO — a next-generation satellite broadband terminal built for reliability and security.

Developed through a collaboration between Cobham Satcom and Space42’s satellite solutions division, Thuraya, IP NEO is engineered to provide uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity for sectors that rely on secure communication. Its design, optimized for compactness and durability, ensures seamless data transmission across Thuraya’s network, making it a valuable asset for government agencies, NGOs, corporations, and even individuals operating in remote areas where traditional technologies may fall short.

As the exclusive provider of Thuraya 4 terminals for Space42, Cobham Satcom has also played a crucial role in building the ground infrastructure for the upcoming Thuraya 4 satellite network. This strategic integration reinforces Cobham Satcom’s standing as a leading global provider of L-band connectivity solutions.

Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Space Services at Space42, emphasized the terminal’s strengths, stating: “IP NEO demonstrates our commitment to delivering secure, resilient, and future-ready satellite communication solutions. Built on robust L-band technology, the platform ensures reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging environments. Its compatibility with Thuraya 4 further strengthens its capabilities, enabling high-throughput speeds that meet the evolving demands of mission-critical operations”.

Designed to support critical applications such as internet access, video conferencing, surveillance, and VPN connectivity, IP NEO is built to withstand tough conditions, featuring water and dust resistance — ideal for use in extreme environments.

Also Read: Pure Electric Expands To UAE, Boosting Micro-Mobility Sector

Christophe Duret, CEO of Cobham Satcom, highlighted the impact of this innovation: “Along with Space42’s state-of-the-art Thuraya 4 satellite’s advanced capabilities, our new terminals for government and commercial end-users will provide the fastest standard L-band connectivity ever achieved, unlocking new opportunities for secure and resilient high-speed connectivity for demanding land and ocean environments”.

Part of Space42’s next-generation product lineup, IP NEO is designed for long-term adaptability and is fully compatible with the Thuraya 4 satellite. Once operational, Thuraya 4 will enable IP NEO to deliver speeds of up to 1024 kbps, along with simultaneous voice and data communication along with remote terminal access.

The official launch of IP NEO is set to take place at the 2025 SatShow (March 11-13, 2025), at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.