[Satellite TODAY 02-29-12]  Intelsat has signed a major new deal with one of the biggest telcos in the Middle East. The operator has inked a multi-year deal with Etisalat for capacity on Intelsat 22, scheduled to launch next month. As part of the multi-transponder agreement, Etisalat will utilize the satellite’s capacity to expand the reach of its broadband and GSM backhaul services to its customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and central Asia.

            The satellite will carry two Ku-band mobility beams providing coverage of the Indian Ocean region, which will blanket vital maritime and aeronautical routes. In addition, Intelsat 22 will have Ku-band capacity serving the Middle East and eastern Africa. Its C-band hemi beams coverage provides connectivity to and from most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and eastern Asia.