Yahsat Partners with Microsoft in Regional Connectivity Effort

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Yahsat Partners with Microsoft in Regional Connectivity Effort


October 20, 2009


Al Yah Satellite Communications Co. (Yahsat) signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft Gulf to potentially offer YahClick online services based on Microsoft Live to the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia regions, Yahsat announced Oct. 19.

Microsoft Live is a set of Internet-based services designed for consumers and small businesses interested in creating a website or storing and sharing documents online.

The two companies said the cooperation aims to address challenges faced by regions with limited or no internet connectivity and improve the overall information and communication technology landscape. Yahsat and Microsoft will focus on connected industry frameworks like government, healthcare, education, tourism, government, citizen portals and e-services. The two organizations also will collaborate in developing awareness and training programs that aim at building information technology capacity within markets served to lead social and economical transformation in the public and private sector.

“Coupled with the Microsoft Connected Government Framework, Yahsat will now have the flexibility to deliver tailored [information technology] services to their customers through a dedicated or shared hosting environment thereby enabling faster time to market and increased business opportunities while operating in a cost-efficient manner,” Charbel Fakhoury, Microsoft Gulf regional manager, said in a statement.

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YahSat links with Microsoft


While the company’s first satellite is not scheduled for launch until 2010, already the Al Yah Satellite Communications Co, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment and development business Mubadala Development, is planning its capacity usage.

YahSat 1A is due for launch towards the end of next year, while YahSat 1B will follow in 2011. On Oct 19 YahSat signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft to offer online services for Microsoft Live, via its satellite, to users in the Mid-East, Africa and Southwest Asia.


YahSat has also partnered with SES Astra to supply YahLive, a DTH service to the region, operating from 52.5 deg East.