[Satellite Today 02-10-09] A new private satellite operator has been established in the Middle East. The creation of a new $500 million company, ‘SmartSat’ was announced Feb. 9. The company is 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 Eastern Europe regions and a leading Kuwaiti investment holding company, which will be the financial advisor for the project.
    Smartlink will be operating the project as managing partner. SmartSat’s managing director will be Khaled Derbas. SmartSat will offer its new services by launching what it claims is the Arab world’s first private satellite that will serve the MENA region. The company will be based in the UAE, and will primarily serve the Middle East.
    Derbas commented, “Being the first privately owned Arab company working in the satellite sector, SmartSat will contribute significantly to enhance and develop the satellite sector in the MENA region, as our entry is expected to create positive changes in terms of competitive prices, high-quality services and more options for customers.”