Yahsat and Tim Exploring Satellite KA-Band Collaboration in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, 16th February, 2016:– Yahsat, the UAE-based satellite operator, and TIM, the second largest mobile operator in Brazil, have been in discussions around the use of Yahsat’s Ka-band satellite over Brazil, commencing 2017. The objective for TIM is to capture the benefits of the high spectral efficiency and substantial cost savings delivered through Ka-band solutions, enabling 3G and 4G coverage using high-speed satellite links. Yahsat’s Ka-band capacity will be delivered via its third satellite, Al Yah 3, providing coverage to over 95% of the Brazilian population.

“TIM is looking for the best processes to, minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency, supporting areas currently unserved or under-served by good terrestrial communications links, extending offerings across the interior of the country and reinforcing TIM’s key role for social and economic development of these areas. Therefore, we have been discussing the use of Ka-band in Brazil for backhaul with Yahsat and we are confident in Yahsat’s technical and operational platform to serve our future needs. We have been very impressed by the experience Yahsat has already gained around this technology, and are reassured by the fact they have real experience of Ka-band in rainy regions, such as Nigeria – this is the know how we are looking for to serve our demands in Brazil”, affirms Marcelo Duarte, Head of Wholesale at TIM Brazil.

Marcio Tiago, Yahsat’s Country Director for Brazil added, “Our upcoming satellite and ground systems are tailored to serve a wide array of segments, from consumers to enterprises to operators and internet service providers. Yahsat has many critical differentiators which make its offering extremely attractive for cellular backhaul use, including the use of two geographically separated gateways which offer full redundancy to counter outages due to heavy rain or ensure continuity during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. This translates to higher availability and reliability, which is key for mobile operators.”

Al Yah 3 is on schedule for its service launch at the beginning of 2017 and will expand Yahsat’s Ka-band coverage to Brazil and in parallel across Africa. It builds on Yahsat’s strategy to bring pioneering, affordable satellite broadband and connectivity solutions to its various markets.