Telefonica and stc Sign Satellite Deal

Telefonica and stc signed a satellite service pact, deepening their partnership. The deal is focused on developing joint capabilities targeting the maritime operations and aviation sectors, as well as providing emergency services and remote connectivity.

The operators stated the satellite and teleport services framework agreement, signed by stc and Telefonica’s global business unit Telefonica Global Solutions (TGS), will target developing low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) networks. Combined satellite capabilities are intended to give customers access to scalable high-speed connectivity, supporting mission-critical operations anywhere across land, sea, and air, explained the duo.

The tie-up will also aid in delivering satellite services across stc’s home market of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and other global markets. The satellite agreement comes around a year after Spain’s government approved stc’s acquisition of an almost 10% stake in Telefonica, as part of the Saudi operator group’s strategy to increase investments outside of its home market. It has maintained that it has no intention of acquiring a majority stake in the company.