Dubai Media City (DMC) is in talks with ART and Orbit two big league satellite television broadcasters - to base some of their operations here, according to a top official.
Some of the biggest names in the satellite broadcasting business have already based themselves in DMC, and the addition of these two entities can definitely provide further momentum to its status as the media hub for the region. The comments came after the conclusion of a deal between SamaCom, the satellite services subsidiary of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, and Nilesat to launch a new direct-to-home platform.
The two will co-operate in marketing the platform using transponder capacity on Nilesat 102 satellite.
This platform will allow broadcasters in Europe, America and Asia to have their content turned around from other satellites to SamaCom's Nilesat platform.
"Earlier, those who wanted to uplink from DMC had to go through two steps one with the satellite provider directly and then again with us. Now, with the Nilesat deal, any interested party can seek transponder space directly from us," said Abdulhamid Juma, chief executive officer of DMC. "With the Nilesat tie up, we could now go after similar arrangements with other satellite entities."
Presently, the Dubai-based entity is providing uplink/downlink services to 33 companies and 75 channels. SamaCom's portfolio of DTH platforms includes Arabsat 2D, Asiasat 2, Asiasat 3S, Hotbird and the Atlantic Bird satellites.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Bin Byat, director-general of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, said the entity would consider all options to tap emerging opportunities in a liberalised telecom environment.
"For any venture that we consider, there is a detailed study of risk/benefits coming from making such a move," said Bin Byat. "This is the case when we take on a new venture or a new market."
The Subcontinent and some of the Arab markets have been suggested as possible locations for DIC to seek an active development role.
"The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone is all for competition it would not be possible to grow the way we have been doing in future if we do not have competition from other initiatives in the region."
"While the others my not be able to recreate the cluster environment we have at the Zone, I certainly see possibilities competition in specialised industries such as call centres. Egypt is a good example."
Laws framed
Penalties to be imposed for various violations
In the latest updates to the local e-commerce and e-crime laws, penalties to be imposed for the various violations are being framed, according to Ahmed Bin Byat, director-general of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone.
"Each of these are separate laws by themselves and extreme detail and thought is being given in developing them," said Bin Byat.
"These regulations when they develop in full will provide the necessary impetus for the country's emergence in the e-economy.
"While it is not the role of the Zone to be a legislator, we have now developed an expertise in the field to help in framing these laws."
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