Commercial satellite revenues have grown in the MENA region by a whopping 17% per year since 2003. Hisham A. Ansari, Managing Director of Horizon Satellite Services comments on the changing dynamics in the region. You were established in 2001 as a provider of satellite services in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Since 2001, how […]
Commercial satellite revenues have grown in the MENA region by a whopping 17% per year since 2003. Hisham A. Ansari, Managing Director of Horizon Satellite Services comments on the changing dynamics in the region.
You were established in 2001 as a provider of satellite services in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Since 2001, how crowded has this field become and what is required for a satellite service provider to remain relevant in this region?
The market has grown tremendously in the last few years. And even though new companies have entered the market the demand for satellite capacity over Middle East has also increased. In order to be ahead of the competition, quality of service is what counts in the long run. We have never compromised on the service or quality even though we have seen many providers offering services at lower price and compromising on quality. This approach centered on quick gains cannot be sustained for long and eventually the customer realises it and makes the shift to a quality service provider. We are known in the region for our service, quality and support. Another factor that keeps us ahead of the competition is our readiness to adapt to new technologies. We were one of the first to start DVB-S2 platforms and DVB-S2 ACM solutions that have benefited customers immensely.
With the establishment of companies such as Yahsat that are based in Abu Dhabi, how does it impact a UAE-based company such as Horizon Satellite?
We welcome Yahsat to the market. It was about time we had a U.A.E-based satellite operator and we celebrate their achievements. There is no direct competition. As a service provider, we have a different role when compared to a satellite operator. Also our market is the MENA-region and there are other players in the market. Competition is a positive trend in any business line as it clearly indicates that there is demand and potential to grow for the best companies.
The latest addition to your portfolio of services is DVB S2 ACM with both iDirect and Comtech hardware. How has this been received and what is the most popular of your services?
Both the services have been very well received in the market, especially on i-Direct platform due to the easy availability of its hardware. As one of the first service providers to initiate these services in the region, we have a lead over the competition. Our main business segment is the Satellite IP services whether it is dedicated or shared.
The satellite industry is considered recession-proof. As the global economy seems to be sliding into an even bigger recession, what are the challenges ahead for your company and industry in the region?
The satellite industry in the region is recession proof because of the higher demand created by the launch of new TV channels, transformation of TV channels to High Definition (HD), and also because of the US governments operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Access to information can only be achieved through fiber or satellite as these two modes connect people across borders. Thus the demand is increasing but again this increases competition as new satellites for the region are being launched.
