MUMBAI: Worldspace Satellite Radio has signed an agreement with Sama Communications Company Limited (Samacom) to commission a new satellite uplink facility in Dubai. Worldspace expects the new facility to enhance its satellite radio content delivery and enable live programming from Dubai.

Dubai was selected to house the facility based on its central geographic location within the Worldspace service area and the fact it is emerging as a business and technology hub in this region. The station will be positioned to uplink channels to both of Worldspace's satellites, AsiaStarT and AfriStarT, simultaneously from a single point resulting in streamlined operations and a substantial savings in backhaul and uplink infrastructure, states an official release.

"Samacom is an ideal partner and Dubai is an ideal location for Worldspace's satellite uplink facility," says Worldspace COO Alexander P. Brown. "The visibility from this geography provides nearly global coverage and brings Worldspace's uplink closer to important content providers and the region's production facilities. This positions us to deliver live programming and enhance the Worldspace experience for our subscribers in the region."

Samacom is a vertically integrated satellite services provider, established in 2001 and acquired by Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company (du) in January 2006. Samacom owns and operates its own communications infrastructure and will also establish, operate, and maintain the Worldspace uplink facility. The uplink station will be part of Samacom's existing infrastructure in Dubai, adds the release.

"The launch of Worldspace service in Dubai is exciting for our region," says Samacom EVP Yatinder Mahajan. "Samacom is pleased that our innovative technology and services will play an integral part in extending the Worldspace experience to subscribers in Dubai and around the globe."