Gulfsat

PIONEERS IN GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY

Since inception in 1995, Gulfsat Communications has been a forerunner in satellite services – the company designs, integrates, installs and provides advanced satellite networking and broadcasting for business and government organisations. Committed to delivering innovative platforms for satellite communications, satellite broadcasting and managed telecommunication solutions in the MENA, the Gulfsat spectrum has a global reach and at the very heart of its business strategy lies its unrivalled technical expertise and a solutions-driven business model.

CONVERGED PLATFORMS

Gulfsat executes solutions on the ground and in space having ownership of a ground network offering last-mile connectivity and platform control in space. From infrastructure

Mohammed Al-Haj, Chairman and CEO of Gulfsat.

build-up to final stages of a venture, the company recommends reliable, secure, cost-effective services aimed at customer satisfaction. Every project is given 24/7 monitoring so that clients avail of complete security, ensuring client loyalty for all times.

According to Gulfsat Chairman and CEO, Mohammed Al-Haj, Gulfsat’s unique selling point is its complete broadcast solutions by blending technical competence with market knowhow and the backing of a strong group. Gulfsat is supported by investment giant, the KIPCO Group Kuwait Investment Projects Company. Their back-up has made Gulfsat a leading force to reckon within the region.

“We provide a number of value-added services such as uplink, playout, satellite contribution links, IP contribution links, internet backbone, SMS rollouts, SNG, studio, co-location, OU (occasional use), live event

GSAT 8WB-MENA (8˚W) GSAT 8WB EAST Premium (8˚W)

coverage and much more. We have reinstated ourselves as one of the top broadcasters in the MENA region and have acquired multiple transponders of premium capacity.”

Gulfsat has focused on three areas – broadcast services under a sub-brand called for TV and radio broadcast, satellite connectivity links focusing on different verticals including government, oil and gas, shipping, military etc., and international voice communication carrying. “We are adding multiple layers of solutions to drive our business - from connected TV to voice and data services, given our impeccable state of infrastructure on the ground.”

RENT A PLACE IN SPACE GCAST

Gulfsat facilities are located in various countries offering channel broadcasters occasional use or long-time project on hire. Gcast turnkey solutions addresses all the needs of a channel broadcaster under one platform. Fibre connectivity and global MPLS PoP(s) allow Gcast to carry and distribute content anywhere. It offers secure, flexible and reliable distribution of audio and broadcast transmission over Gulfsat’s DTH platforms. It covers the entire (SD) and (HD) transmission and distribution process from encoding, playout, multiplexing and uplinking satellite capacity to monitoring during transmission.

GLINK

Glink covers the diverse communications and networking needs of corporates, governments and other business enterprises by providing competitive advantages in terms of cost, reliability and ease of use. Glink also provides proprietary encryption and security services for networks as well as other IT services, including ethical hacking services from third party provider.

SATCOM SERVICES

Gulfsat provides satcom services for multiple industries: • TV broadcasting • Oil and gas • Government and defence • Construction • Telcos • Banking and finance • Shipping and logistics • GSM backhauling

GCAST SOLUTIONS UPLINK

The Gulfsat footprint covers New York, London, Slovenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait, expanding the delivery of TV channels through different teleports over a cost-effective platform. Gulfsat operates space segment on different satellites and provides uplink services for broadcasting and re-broadcasting of TV channels.

Their global fibre and satellite infrastructure has enabled delivery of pointto-point connectivity for any video, audio or data content with superior, unmatched quality. The company is in cooperation with 37 countries around the world making it the third largest satellite operator in the region.

TURNAROUND AND CONTRIBUTION

The service employs global infrastructure (satellite and terrestrial) to transport video from the channel broadcaster’s studio or office to Gulfsat’s uplink stations for onward distribution to direct-to-home (DTH).

Gcast provides satellite contribution link over Ku-band and C band – while the intercontinental contribution link provides service using Ku-band to cover the Middle East and Europe, the C band serves Asia, Africa and the Americas.

SNG

Gcast satellite news gathering vehicles (SNG) are equipped with the latest technology that enables broadcasters to transmit directly from events as they occur and keep their audiences updated in real-time. • Quick set-up • Auto-acquisition controller for ease of operation

GSAT 7WA (7˚W) GSAT 11W KU

• Interface with all types of RF electronics and services • Stabilising legs that create increased wind resistance for quick set-up • Packaging options – cabin baggage soft cases, backpack versions and rugged hard cases

VIDEO BACKHAULING

Gulfsat provides Gcast video-backhauling, a service attractive to TV broadcasters who want to take advantage of the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of IP video transport while retaining the highest possible video quality for HD backhaul. Designed for real-time backhaul of professional video over IP networks, these solutions deliver broadcast quality video at SD and HD and uncompressed video speeds over internet or any public or private data networks.

GSAT 97W (97˚W) PLAYOUT AND NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTRE

This state-of-the-art television playout facility delivers superior technology and expertise required to run complete multi-channel bouquets which include live programmes and studio feeds. End-to-end playout services are monitored 24x7 using fully automated technology, in SD and HD, and uplinked from different teleports with high levels of redundancy. The playout centre is equipped with redundant power systems to operate continuously without service interruption and Gcast has a proven record of quality control and trouble-free broadcasting since its TV services were launched.

Multi-transponder footprint assists customers to maximise bandwidth with minimum cost and allows channel programmes to grow. Gulfsat understands that quality of technical support is just as important as the quality of technology services. Every component of the satellite system is examined 24/7 and customers can talk directly with VSAT systems personnel.

GLINK SOLUTIONS SECURE CONNECTIVITY MEANS BUSINESS

Gulfsat’s Glink covers the diverse communications and networking needs of corporate entities, governments and other business enterprises by providing competitive advantages in terms of cost, reliability and ease of use. Glink also provides proprietary encryption and security services for networks, as well as other IT services, including ethical hacking services from third party provider.

GSAT 30W (30˚W)

INTERNATIONAL DATA SERVICE

Gulfsat’s international data services are designed to deliver efficient, scalable methods of connecting customer sites in multiple locations and countries. Their nodes are interconnected through fully protected STM-1 circuits across different international cable systems to the internet and a global MPLS network. Full peering and cross connect with tier-one MPLS carriers are deployed at their international PoP(S) in Americas, Europe and the Far East.

CALL CENTRE

Gulfsat has a fully functional, 24x7 call centre serving TV and VSAT customers. Manned by highly trained agents, calls are logged into a centralised helpdesk system for troubleshooting and timely resolution of requests. The helpdesk system has been configured with an automated escalation matrix for improved, rapid response time. The call centre features 24x7 support for broadcast, satellite, IP and playout services.

90 COUNTRIES AND COUNTING

From the MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to defence, Gulfsat is the preferred name as a single-window, satellite communications service provider. In times of crises, terrestrial networks are vulnerable and MoFAs around the world are concerned about maintaining secure, ‘always-on’ connectivity with their embassies and consulates.

The mission-critical project was meant to facilitate voice, fax, video and data communications across 90 sites globally with headquarters based in the GCC. During initial stages, Gulfsat partnered with key systems integrators around the world to ensure quality of service; but once sufficient experience was gained, it took over entire operations of the network.

The MoFA network underwent numerous upgrades, transitioning from a TDMA-based mesh network to a dSCPC-based dynamic star network to finally a smart hybrid network. Key network performance indicators were lower latency, efficient bandwidth utilisation and redundancy. A mammoth project of this nature translates to political, cultural, logistical and other challenges, all of which were dealt with in an expert manner, typical of the Gulfsat work ethic. Redundancies were managed by providing cold, standby systems in the initial phase to a hot standby system and later on a hybrid network comprising alternate media backups like MPLS. All migrations were effected in a seamless manner.

From satcom to milsatcom, Gulfsat is equipped and well experienced to tackle both.

CONTACT

Gulfsat Communications

Company W.L.L.

Al Qibla Block 3, Ali Alsalem Street,

United Networks Building,

PO Box: 2400, Safat: 13025

Kuwait City

Tel: +965 2291 7777

Fax: +965 2240 2201

Email: info@gulfsat.com

Website: www.gulfsat.com