The UAE telecom market has grown from AED30 billion to AED50 billion since 2005, with a 20 percent annual rate of growth. The UAE Telecommunication Regulatory Framework has enabled such growth year after year. The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority issued several regulations to meet the changes in the telecommunication regulatory landscape and to foster the advancements in the ICT sector.
In respect of communications licenses, the TRA, in February 2010, licensed satellite services to “Yahsat” to install, operate and manage satellite and ground networks in the UAE. In July 2010, the TRA granted “Star Satellite Communications Company” (Star) a ten-year satellite and broadcasting service license. These developments were aimed at establishing the UAE as a premier telecommunications hub by offering world-class satellite services.
