The precisely that reason, Yahsat, a satellite services provider in the United Arab Emirates, has introduced a “direct-2-device” approach. Regardless of location, space technology can be used to connect not only smartphones but also IoT (internet of things) devices.
This year, the business intends to launch its initial phase of voice and messaging services. After that, in 2025, expand it to include texting and Internet of Things (IoT) features on smartphones by utilizing the Yahsat Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, which are scheduled to launch later this year.
Subsequently, a scalable satellite network known as “Project BlueStar” will allow complete direct-to-device connectivity.
Three primary applications—data, texting, and voice—are covered by the two-phase rollout. At the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona later this month, Yahsat will provide a sneak peek at its D2D portfolio.
According to Group CEO Ali Al Hashemi, “We are excited to launch our D2D strategy to revolutionize our industry by providing seamless, reliable, and efficient access to connectivity for billions of people, organizations, and businesses across various sectors.”
“A vital and important component of Yahsat’s larger growth strategy is this tactic. Our D2D strategy, Project SKY, was created by carefully evaluating our skills and strengths and using our knowledge to take advantage of changing market conditions.”
Mobile devices are displaying satellite-linked features. According to the US company, you can text emergency services on the Apple “iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro by connecting your iPhone to a satellite.”
These connections could eventually become commonplace given the current number of satellites in use.
Al Hashemi stated that Yahsat finds the prospect of D2D to be a “inspiring moment for us, especially since we are also beginning a new chapter in our journey through the potential merger with Bayanat to create a global AI-powered SpaceTech champion.”
Approximately 80% of the global population is covered by Yahsat’s five satellites. Yahsat, based in Abu Dhabi, offers business, government, and consumer customers C, Ku, Ka, and L-band satellite communications solutions for land, marine, and aero platforms.
The next generation Thuraya telecommunications system, called Thuraya 4, is being built by Yahsat and is scheduled to launch in 2024 and go into service in 2025. Construction on the system began in 2020. Two “software-defined” communication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, began construction last year with plans to launch in 2027 and 2028.
