e& UAE, Yahsat Team Up for Satellite Smartphone Connectivity

e& UAE and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, a satellite solutions provider in the UAE, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing global connectivity through innovative satellite technology. Under this agreement, e& UAE is poised to become the pioneer telecom operator to collaborate with Yahsat under its visionary Direct-to-Device (D2D) strategy.

The partnership heralds a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity by extending satellite capabilities to standard smartphones and IoT devices regardless of geographical constraints. Through Project SKY, a cornerstone of Yahsat’s D2D strategy, both entities will embark on a journey to explore and implement initiatives that enable voice calls, messaging, and data transmission via satellite for conventional smartphones.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing it as the first of many anticipated partnerships with key industry players. The scope of collaboration spans various facets, including ecosystem development, aligning with Yahsat’s overarching D2D strategy.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, hailed the partnership as a gateway to a new era of global connectivity. Being the inaugural operator to join Yahsat’s D2D vision, e& UAE aims to leverage its network infrastructure to democratize seamless connectivity globally, thereby narrowing the digital divide and paving the way for a connected future.

The collaboration will see both companies pooling resources towards Yahsat’s planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) D2D system, designed to offer uninterrupted connectivity encompassing voice calls, messaging, and data services for standard smartphones. This technological innovation promises unparalleled connectivity and accessibility for users worldwide.

This partnership underscores Yahsat’s commitment to its D2D strategy, aimed at empowering standard smartphones and IoT devices with advanced satellite capabilities. It represents a pivotal step towards creating an ecosystem of services and applications accessible from anywhere on the globe, ensuring ubiquitous connectivity in today’s digital landscape.