“The Orient Express”: RSCC presented satellite services for the Middle East based on the Express-AM constellation
At Cabsat 2021 (October 26-28), Russian Satellite Communications Company presented its own satellite solutions, IFC, maritime-VSAT services in one of the key markets for the company — the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
Cabsat is a first face-to-face global event of the satellite market since the outbreak of the pandemic. It was dedicated to the communications, broadcast technologies and media industry in the Middle East region, where RSCC has been providing communications and broadcasting services for over 15 years.
During the conference, it was noted that the Middle East, Africa and South Asia were among the fastest growing mobile user markets. Experts gave a high rating to the prospects of satellite communications. This market was projected to hit $53 billion by 2027. Its main growth drivers are In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), maritime services, TV-broadcasting as well as services for governments and defense officials. In particular, it was noted that the in-flight internet service market would double by 2028. By 2025, the maritime satellite Internet service market would also grow to $5.1 billion. Meanwhile, spending on government space programs would increase to $84 billion.
Customers from the Middle East region, already cooperating with RSCC, confirmed their interest in the operator’s services. Telecom companies from Africa, India, Pakistan, Oman and other countries are also expressed readiness for cooperation with RSCC.
“The MENA region remains one of the priority markets for RSCC business development and promotion of prospective satellite technologies. The RSCC satellites in the orbital positions from 14 degrees West up to 53 degrees East provide a stable coverage of the region and are an ideal solution for corporate networks and communication services on ships and aircraft. Despite the impact of the pandemic, we keep on developing the international business strategy of RSCC. I am confident that our successful cooperation with equipment manufacturers and service providers will help to strengthen our position in the global markets of satellite communications services,” stressed Alexey Volin, RSCC General Director.
Currently, customers mostly demand turnkey, ready-made telecommunication solutions. In view of this fact, RSCC management negotiated with some major manufacturers of satellite equipment and reached the agreements on the modernization of the RSCC ground infrastructure and on new joint projects in various regions of the world where the RSCC satellites might be used. Based on the results of meetings and negotiations with the existing and potential customers, the plan is to have new cooperation agreements signed, existing contracts expanded, and new projects elaborated in detail.
Today, RSCC operates in 58 countries. In the near future, the company is going to expand the footprint to 64 countries, primarily with help of new projects in Africa and Latin America.