SmartSat has launched a project to send into orbit the region’s first private satellite in a key initiative to offer better satellite-enabled services to end-users.

SmartSat, a $500 million joint venture and the region’s first private company specialised in the satellite industry, aims to primarily target the region’s information and communications technology sector that will help broadband and broadcast service providers as well as ministries of communication, military agencies and companies dealing with data systems.

Leveraging the new satellite’s state-of-the-art mobile communications systems, SmartSat will enable clients to tailor broadband packages that satisfy specific market segment demands and subsequently optimise revenue potential.

With the satellite’s powerful signals and two-way links, SmartSat can also support the Mena's satellite broadcasters, home satellite providers, news organisations, satellite conference centres and other content providers with regular programming or on-demand requirements, enabling high-definition viewing at home or for live, in-studio broadcasts.

'The new SmartSat satellite will provide a powerful platform that will dramatically improve the communications capability of the Mena region, particularly through a comprehensive line of satellite broadband and broadcast service options,” said Khaled Derbas, chairman of SmartSat.

“Furthermore, being the region’s first private company to launch its own satellite, we believe that SmartSat has a strategic advantage in terms of flexibility to offer a wider range of customised services and satellite solutions, which will enable clients to harness the full strength of seamless, uninterrupted and secure satellite communications.'

Faisal al Anjari, chairman of Al Jawhara Holding said: 'The $500 million SmartSat project, specifically the launch of a new satellite into orbit, is a testament to our commitment to actively participate in the economic transformation of the region.

“With the growing number of satellite users, studies have shown that the Mena’s commercial satellite-lease revenues have been growing 17 per cent annually since 2003, indicating a remarkable growth potential that we believe will be further enhanced with the launch of the Arab world’s first private satellite into orbit.”

“Furthermore, we believe that a company such as SmartSat is what the regional satellite market truly needs: a vibrant, innovative and young private company that can develop personalised services that suit the modern demands of the diversified market segments of the region,” he added.

SmartSat has revealed that the satellite is now in the design stage while two of the world's top 10 global satellite manufacturers have already been short listed for the project, keeping the satellite firmly on schedule for its projected launch in 2011.

SmartSat will primarily serve the Mena region along with other international markets, particularly Eastern Europe.

Taking full advantage of the company's private entity, SmartSat is looking forward to introduce radical improvements in the satellite sector, resulting in more business opportunities for broadband and broadcast service providers, while ensuring better quality and a wider range of value offerings for end-users.

SmartSat also revealed that it will adopt the latest state-of-the-art satellite technology to ensure a truly powerful platform that can satisfy the emerging demands of regional clients. Another strategic advantage of SmartSat is its ability to offer a broader price range that is a lot more competitive and delivers greater product value.

SmartSat is a UAE-based firm, located in Dubai Studio City, created by a joint venture between Smartlink, the Jordanian private shareholding company that operates as a global broadband satellite services provider in the Middle East, North Africa and