Page 17 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

MEMBERS NEWS

stc and SkyFive Sign MoU to Introduce Broad-
band Inflight Connectivity to MENA

stc Group, the leading digital enabler said: “Having seen Saudis’ internet usage experience so that they can enjoy the
in the region, and SkyFive Arabia, the rocket by more than 92% in 2021 versus same great services in-air as on-ground.”
leading provider of Air-to-Ground (A2G) 2020, we know that our customers want to stc and SkyFive Arabia have already
based solutions and services, announced stay connected no matter where they are. tested this state-of-the-art technology on
the signing of a Memorandum of Our partnership with SkyFive Arabia is the a flight between Riyadh and Jeddah, in
Understanding (MoU) to introduce inflight latest in a series of investments geared collaboration with the Communications,
connectivity (IFC) through A2G-based towards meeting the rapidly growing Space and Technology Commission (CST)
solutions to airlines in Saudi Arabia. demand for high-speed and superior- and a leading airline company. Following
With plans to further expand across the quality connection services, by introducing this, the service is expected to be launched
entire MENA region in the near future, innovative technologies that elevate the across all deployed routes in the Kingdom
the partnership will deliver unparalleled user experience. As the Kingdom’s digital and the region by 2025. The MoU follows
connectivity that will enrich passengers’ transformation accelerates, stc is paving the CST’s earlier announcement of stc as
travel experience. Through the MoU, stc the way for our customers and business the auction winner for a 15-year license
aims to contribute towards the Kingdom’s partners to connect in more ways than for both spectrum blocks - A2G-based
digital transformation while providing ever.” Eng. Hazem Bahy, VP of Sales and network and mobile satellite services
unrivaled connectivity, be it on the ground Head of Business Saudi Arabia at SkyFive (MSS). The win supports stc’s ongoing
or in-air. Inflight connectivity through Arabia, said: “We are pleased to partner with contribution towards the Kingdom’s digital
A2G-based solutions will enhance airline stc for this milestone that will benefit the transformation, in alignment with the CST’s
passengers’ experience, who will benefit Kingdom’s aviation industry and beyond. Air- mission to enable innovative NTN (Non-
from access to high-speed connectivity, to-Ground brings broadband connectivity to Terrestrial Network) technologies, provide
allowing them to experience high-quality the skies, providing airline passengers with end users with the latest generation of
(up to 4K) video-streaming, web browsing, an unmatched data experience. This unique satellite technology, and to cover rural
and social media usage. Eng. Mohannad service differentiator and digital enabler and remote areas in the Kingdom and
Makki, VP of Carrier and Wholesale at stc, will undoubtedly enhance passengers’ beyond with the best telecom services.

17 NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 2022