ARABSAT selects ACTIA Aerospace

…to deliver strategic Q/V-Band Gateways infrastructure for ARABSAT-7A
ARABSAT has selected ACTIA Aerospace to design, supply and deploy a new generation of Q/V-Band RF Gateway systems forming a critical part of the ground segment for its upcoming ARABSAT-7A software-defined satellite.

A strategic infrastructure at the heart of ARABSAT’s satellite transformation

The deployment includes two geographically diverse gateways, providing enhanced resilience, higher capacity and flexible routing. These capabilities will  support a wide range of Broadband Managed Services, enterprise, mobility, maritime, aviation, and government applications across ARABSAT’s coverage region.

These strategic gateways infrastructure represents a cornerstone of ARABSAT’s roadmap to transition from traditional GEO architectures toward software-defined, satellite systems, enabling dynamic service allocation, optimized spectrum usage and scalable customer solutions.

ACTIA Aerospace will deliver a fully integrated gateway solution, including system design, deployment, testing, commissioning, operator training and long-term technical support, enabling full autonomous operation by ARABSAT.
The contract was signed on the sidelines of the ARABSAT 17th Telecom Forum in Manama -Bahrain, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between ARABSAT and ACTIA Aerospace.

Dr. Badr N. Alsuwaidan, President & CEO of ARABSAT, commented:

“Through state-of-the-art technologies and advanced Broadband Managed Services, ARABSAT-7A represents a major step in our evolution toward software-defined and high-throughput satellite systems. The deployment of Q/V-Band gateways is fundamental to this vision, enabling us to deliver more agile, scalable and resilient services that meet the rapidly growing demands of digital connectivity across our markets.”

François Contou-Carrere, CEO of ACTIA Aerospace, added:

“We are proud and honored to deploy next-generation Q/V-Band gateway technologies that are becoming as critical as the satellite itself. This fully integrated, secure and scalable solution supports ARABSAT’s transformation toward flexible software-defined GEO architectures and enables innovative satellite services across the MENA region and beyond.”

Background informations

• An RF (Radio Frequency) gateway is a ground station that connects a satellite to terrestrial telecommunications networks.
• Q/V bands (Q-band et V-band : very high-frequency satellite bands) use very high frequencies, enabling very high-throughput communications.
• ARABSAT-7A refers to a next-generation geostationary satellite, with “7” indicating the generation and “A” identifying a specific satellite within that generation.These technologies are at the core of next-generation geostationary satellites. Deploying two gateways ensures performance, resilience, and service continuity.

ABOUT ARABSAT (to be included by Arabsat MARCOM)

Established in 1976, Arabsat is an initiative launched by 21 Arab countries and is wholly owned by the Arab League. It is considered the first provider of satellite services in the Arab world and enjoys an advanced position among satellite operators globally. Thanks to a fleet of 8 satellites, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, Arabsat is adept at providing a full spectrum TV and radio broadcast, telecommunications, broadband, advanced data transmission network solutions, and a range of satellite ecosystem services as well as multi-channel communications services, in addition to Internet services for government and commercial entities around the MENA region. Arabsat provides satellite and Internet broadcast services for more than 260 encrypted television networks and HD channels. It provides its services through advanced technologies, ensuring the highest quality to over 650 TV channels and more than 245 radio stations, reaching tens of millions of households in more than 100 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. These channels and stations are followed by more than 300 million viewers in 21 Arab countries. Arabsat seeks to empower itself as the world’s best satellite operator. To do so, it follows an approach based on passion, stimulating innovation, and developing partnerships with the most prestigious satellite companies worldwide. This approach enabled Arabsat to acquire Hellasat, the most prominent satellite company in Southeastern Europe. In addition, Arabsat signed agreements with value-added services integration and advanced technology companies, which paved the way to launch Badr 8, the latest seventh generation satellite in its fleet. Furthermore, Arabsat aspires to launch more satellites equipped with optical communications technologies, which represent a real addition to the Arab satellite communications ecosystem.

ABOUT ACTIA AEROSPACE (by ACTIA)

ACTIA Aerospace, a division of ACTIA Group, specializes in advanced electronics and telecommunications systems for the most challenging environments. As a global leader, ACTIA Aerospace leverages its cutting-edge expertise to support the Aeronautics, Space and SatCom sectors serving civil, government and defence markets. With 300 dedicated employees out of the Group’s 4,000-strong workforce and an annual turnover of 72 million euros (2024), ACTIA Aerospace is a trusted partner to leading stakeholders. ACTIA Aerospace designs, manufactures and supports mission-critical systems, with unmatched performance, reliability and innovation. Built on decades of experience, the company distinguishes itself by managing the entire value chain, in fields where there is no room for compromise.