Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Thuraya Telecommunications Company (Thuraya), the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), has announced IP NEO, the first in a new family of next-generation satellite communications products packed with advanced features and technology.

The state-of-the-art IP NEO has been designed to deliver powerful simultaneous voice and data transfer capabilities making it the ideal product for government, non-governmental organisations, the energy sector, and enterprise use cases.

The product was developed in partnership with Cobham Satcom, a leading manufacturer of robust satcom solutions, and showcases Thuraya’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge satellite communication solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

The IP NEO is a lightweight portable satellite L-band broadband data terminal and part of a rich portfolio of products based on a robust platform manufactured by Cobham Satcom. The product is primed to leverage the advanced capabilities of the Thuraya 4 Next Generation System (T4-NGS) to provide enhanced connectivity services and extended coverage.

Key features of the IP NEO include:

  • Higher Throughput: Once the T4 is operational, expected in 2025, IP NEO will offer data throughput of up to 1 Mbps.
  • Tailored to industry sector-specific needs: Thuraya has recognised the diverse needs of its partners and has enabled the IP NEO to provide a wide range of capabilities suitable for different communication use case scenarios for Government, Energy & utilities as well as non-governmental agencies and first responders.
  • Simultaneous Voice and Data: With the ability to handle both voice and data simultaneously, the IP NEO ensures uninterrupted communication in any environment. Operators can integrate third-party VoIP solutions making it a flexible and competitive option.

The wider portfolio of next-generation broadband products will be launched in the coming months. These include commercial and government “communications-on-the-move” vehicular terminals, as well as maritime terminals in addition to new mobile gateways for both commercial and government customers.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the new IP NEO as the first of many innovative solutions to come from our collaboration with Cobham. With its advanced capabilities and unparalleled performance, the IP NEO exemplifies our commitment to driving technological advancement in satellite communications."

Christophe Duret, Chief Executive Officer of Cobham Satcom, said: “The IP NEO is T4 ready and has been designed to anticipate future operator use cases across a broad spectrum of industries. It is capable of fast data and voice transmission while being ruggedly designed and cost-effective making it the ideal choice for infield operations in crisis-hit regions or emergencies.”

IP NEO will be officially unveiled at Critical Comms World Dubai, scheduled for May 14-16, 2024.

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About Yahsat

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) is a public company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, offering multi-mission satellite solutions in more than 150 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia.

Yahsat’s fleet of 5 satellites reaches more than 80% of the world’s population, enabling critical communications including broadband, broadcasting, backhauling and mobility solutions. Based out of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Yahsat provides C, Ku, Ka and L-band satellite communications solutions for land, maritime and aero platforms to consumers, governments and enterprises.

Its businesses consist of Yahsat Government Solutions, Thuraya, YahClick (powered by Hughes) and YahLink. Yahsat also participates in Hughes do Brasil, an equity partnership with Hughes, and Yahlive, an equity partnership with SES. In 2020, Yahsat commenced construction of Thuraya 4, the next-generation telecommunications system for Thuraya, which is due to launch in 2024 and to enter service in 2025. In 2023, Yahsat commenced construction of two new software-defined telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, which are expected to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Note

On the 25th of April 2024, the shareholders of Bayanat and Yahsat approved the proposed merger of the two companies during their respective General Assembly Meetings (GAMs). The merger aims to create an AI-powered space technology champion in the MENA region with global reach. Bayanat and Yahsat will continue to operate independently until regulatory approval is received and the merger is effective, which is expected to take place in mid-2024. Visit the merger microsite for more information: www.asharedambition.com

For more information, visit: www.yahsat.com; Follow us on Twitter: @YahsatOfficial

Legal Notice and Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information

This announcement includes forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and projections about future events. These statements may include, without limitation, words such as "expect", "will", "looking ahead" and any other words and terms of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and its subsidiaries and its investments, and speak only as at the date of this announcement. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions of future events and information currently available to the Company which may not prove to be accurate and the Company does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or fairness thereof and expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward looking statement. No representation or warranty is made that any forward-looking statement will come to pass. You are therefore cautioned not to place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For further information regarding forward-looking statements, and the factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements please refer to our Annual Report for 2023, which is available on our website at https://www.yahsat.com/en/investor-relations/annual-report

The amount and payment of dividends by the Group is subject to consideration by the Board of Directors of the cash management requirements of the Group for operating expenses, interest expense, and anticipated capital expenditures, and market conditions, the then current operating environment in its markets, and the Board of Directors’ outlook for the business of the Company. In addition, any level or payment of dividends will depend on, among other things, future profits and the business plan of the Company, as determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein constitutes a financial promotion, or an invitation or inducement to acquire or sell securities in any jurisdiction.

For investor enquiries, please contact: ir@yahsat.ae
For media enquiries, please contact: corporatecomms@yahsat.ae; yahsat@hkstrategies.com

About Thuraya Telecommunications Company

Established in 1997, Thuraya offers innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including maritime, energy, government, broadcast media, military, aerospace and humanitarian NGO. Thuraya’s superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two-thirds of the globe by MSS, global VSAT coverage and around the world through its unique GSM roaming capabilities. The company’s diverse range of technologically advanced and dependable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Through relevant partnerships, Thuraya stays ahead by delivering solutions and supporting applications that meet the rapidly transforming nature of market demands. Thuraya remains committed to keeping everyone within reach in any circumstance by making accessible the essential tools required for vital connectivity.

For more information, visit www.thuraya.com; Follow us on Twitter: @ThurayaTelecom

About Cobham Satcom

Cobham Satcom (formerly known as Thrane & Thrane A/S) is the market-leading provider of radio and satellite communications solutions to the maritime and land markets.

Cobham Satcom designs and manufactures high-performance radio, satellite communications, safety, tracker and critical communications products under the EXPLORER, SAILOR, Sea Tel and TRACKER brands. The products provide customers with outstanding performance, value and support through a global sales and service network. All solutions are underpinned by the core purpose of keeping people safe and connected across land and sea.

For more information, visit www.cobhamsatcom.com.