Eutelsat OneWeb and stc Prepares for Launch of Satellite Services from Tabuk Ground Station

Eutelsat OneWeb, part of Eutelsat Group, the world’s first integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator, and stc Group the engine of digital transformation announced today the final preparations for the launch of commercial services from their ground station in Tabuk, in Saudi Arabia. This will be the first Eutelsat OneWeb Satellite Network Portal (SNP) in the MENA region and will join the growing network of over 35 already operating in the world.  

The Tabuk ground station, built in partnership with Albabtain LeBlanc, a leading Saudi Arabian construction company, features 15 state-of-the-art satellite tracking antenna systems and will enable expanded communications services for Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services across the Middle East. 

Earlier this month, high level delegation from Eutelsat OneWeb, NEOM and Saudi-based Distribution Partner and leading telecoms provider, stc visited the Tabuk gateway to test and demonstrate the power of the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation. The ground station is expected to be available to customers in the Kingdom and across the MENA region from early 2024. The demonstrations utilising an Intellian OW70 and Kymeta u8 user terminal achieved both the high throughout and low latency that are the hallmarks of the OneWeb LEO constellation.  

The readiness of the Tabuk Satellite Gateway for commercial operation, is another milestone for our operation in the Middle East and East Africa, and another important step towards connecting the unconnected. This Gateway is an integral part of the network infrastructure that will drive the digitization of the Kingdom and the region – bridging the digital divide, so that communities, individuals and businesses across the region can realize their full potential through access to fast and affordable low earth orbit satellite broadband services.

Laith Hamad, CEO, OneWeb NEOM JV

The Tabuk Satellite Gateway represents a significant advancement in our commitment to providing cutting-edge satellite connectivity services. This strategic collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb aligns with stc’s vision to enhance digital inclusion across the region, offering reliable and high-speed broadband solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Saud Alsheraihi, VP of Products and Solutions, stc