Abu-Dhabi-based satellite company Yahsat will be launching the region’s first Ka-band satellites in 2011. Yahsat plans to launch two of these satellites, one in the first quarter and the other in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“We are deploying the latest technologies to enable broadband internet activity. This technology [multi-spot beam] is already available in the US, but is new to this part of the world.” says Yahsat regional director Emil Samarah.

Most countries in the Middle East are investing in terrestrial fibre-optic networks. “Based on the new technologies and the reduced costs that have now come to satellites, the future will see more satellite-based coverage,” adds Samarah.

The satellites will cover 26 countries and cater to both public and private sectors through its Yahsecure and Yahclick services.

Yahsat is a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company. The company won a 10-year licence in March 2010 to provide voice, data, video and internet connectivity solutions for the UAE region.