Avanti and Arabsat agree spectrum resolution

Avanti and Arabsat have reached an agreement that will allow both companies to operate their respective satellites – Avanti’s HYLAS 2 and HYLAS 3 and Arabsat’s 6A.

The resolution follows successful inter-operator talks in Cyprus concerning HYLAS 2 and 3, located at 31E, and the Arabsat 6A satellite located at 30.5E – as well as the associated networks in the frequency bands 17.7-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.0 GHz.

The respective communications authorities in the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ofcom and the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), have notified the agreement to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which settles the dispute amicably. This was done on the basis of a range of engineering and spectrum usage solutions.

The two operators can continue to provide vital communications to their customers, free from interference. The news comes at an important time for both businesses as they have recently launched new satellites – Avanti’s HYLAS 3 and Arabsat’s 6A.

The ITU process played a crucial role in the settlement. Avanti and Arabsat have expressed their appreciation for the efforts of their communications authorities (Ofcom and the CITC), the ITU Radio Bureau and the Radio Regulatory Board.

Avanti’s CEO Kyle Whitehill said: “Avanti and Arabsat have been working together constructively since the start of the year, under the auspices of the ITU, to find a solution that enables both companies to serve their core markets. The agreement with Arabsat on HYLAS 2 and 3, combined with HYLAS 4 – which was unaffected by these discussions – puts Avanti in an optimal position to continue to serve its existing customers and to expand confidently in the future.”

Arabsat’s CEO Khalid Balkheyour added: “Our teams’ coordination meetings were held in a very professional way that resulted into a productive agreement. We are looking towards more future business cooperation and partnerships.”