Lords of the skies: strategic satellite deployment key to MENA regions digital communications eco-system growth

With the exponential development of and consumer demand for anywhere-anytime content dominating the direction of the area's home entertainment landscape, CABSAT 2016 will see the area's leading satellite industry players assemble at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from March 8-10.

As the leading platform for the broadcast, satellite and material sectors across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), CABSAT provides a tailored platform for local satellite service providers such as Yahsat, Eutelsat, Nilesat, Noorsat, Intelsat, Es'hailsat and Arabsat to explore satellite-reliant material shipment systems with regional, local and worldwide content manufacturers.

Courtesy of new compression innovations that optimise bandwidth and increase performance, satellites continue to be the most popular mobility-enhancing and nomadic communications technology. The strategic deployment of next generation satellite systems by MENA satellite operators and the worldwide spread of their teleport operations will permit local broadcasters to increase the availability of services to customers through dish antenna or satellite broadband. These services consist of increased Internet connectivity, access to multimedia services to cater for the pressing demand for significantly video-based enterprise and social networks applications, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and High Definition (HD) tv, and IPTV platforms.

With the regional TV market gearing up for the launch of Ultra High Definition - or 4k - television broadcasts within the next two years, monetisation chances or broadcasters are inherently linked to the capacity of satellite service providers to beam content into viewers' homes and on to connect gadgets.

"There are terrific opportunities for commercial satellite suppliers that can put together and deliver an adaptable mix of a secure local interactions network supported by items, services and applications that make it possible for and improve the circulation of details for regional home entertainment companies and public and private sector entities," said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.

"Satellite providers are not just concentrating on broadcasting, they are providing services like broadband, federal government applications and extensive connection-- the next generation of satellites will dramatically increase bandwidth and quicken the possibility of universal connection throughout the Middle East and Africa.".

With industrial satellite companies dealing with growing need for satellite broadband from an ever-growing collection of sources-- from specific niche sectors such as high-end yacht owners to the rewarding military interactions market-- local federal governments are increasing capacity problems as they seek to align connection with sustainable development.

In less densely inhabited MENA areas that make up unserved and underserved broadband areas, satellite innovation remains to offer the most cost-efficient broadband option for rural and remote neighborhoods. Undoubtedly, broadband through satellite-- with its greater speeds-- is improving access to the 1,200 Arabic and global channels offered throughout the MENA area, in addition to civil elements associating with healthcare, social services and education. In Saudi Arabia, countless schools are currently linked through satellite technology and students are offered access to reaching resources and Internet access previously just offered in large cities such as Riyadh.

It remains in these areas where satellite provider and telcos collectively offer effective options that deal with consumer and business need for speed. This speed is just possible by enhanced capacity and CABSAT 2016 will display brand-new innovations and requirements including HEVC compression and DVB-S2X that optimise satellite bandwidth and boost efficiency. One of the largest locations of the global satellite industry-- the brand-new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations-- will also come under the microscope.

In addition, the intrinsic challenges and continued growth opportunities within the satellite sector will be debated at the two-day GVF Satellite HUB where senior level executives will challenge current thinking throughout the satellite interaction market.

With more than 30 international speakers participating in 12 sessions covering the entire satellite sector, key sessions working on March 9 and 10 include 'Constellations for Connectivity: A New Dawn for Low Earth Orbit Solutions', 'Integrating the Digital World: Satellites, Big information, the Internet of Things and the Clous', Cyber Security: How the Satellite Industry is Addressing the Challenge', MENA's Satellite Broadcast & Telecoms: Overview of an Evolving Market Access Environment', and 'A New Crisis Connectivity Charter: Satellite & Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Response'.

In addition, all professional participants to this year's CABSAT will have unique access to a 2016 MENA state-of-the-industry report worth US$ 5,000 presented by the occasion's main understanding partner 'Frost & Sullivan'. Key findings will cover market patterns in media, evolving business models, viewership practices and a detailed country index of vital MENA markets for development and investment.

CABSAT 2016 is open free-of-charge to business and trade visitors from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 March, and 10am to 5pm on Thursday 10 March. Visit www.cabsat.com or www.cabsat.com/markletplace to find out more.