MEASAT

MEASAT
Name	MEASAT
Type	Private
Founded	1992
Headquarters	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Industry	Satellite communications
Products	Communication satellites, transponder leasing, direct-to-home broadcasting, VSAT

MEASAT MEASAT is a Malaysian satellite operator founded in 1992 that develops, owns, and operates geostationary communications satellites and associated ground infrastructure for broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband services. The company provides satellite capacity and managed services across the Asia-Pacific region, linking to markets served by operators and platforms such as SES S.A., Intelsat, Arianespace, SpaceX, and EUTELSAT. MEASAT’s fleet and commercial arrangements connect with regional broadcasters, telecommunications carriers, and government agencies associated with entities like Astro (Malaysia), Telekom Malaysia, and international distributors.

History

MEASAT was established to secure Malaysia’s sovereign satellite capacity following initiatives by political and economic leaders in the early 1990s, during a period when companies such as Hughes Network Systems, PanAmSat, and Inmarsat were expanding global satellite services. Early launches and procurement decisions drew on partnerships with manufacturers and launch providers including Arianespace, Lockheed Martin, Boeing Satellite Systems, and later Thales Alenia Space and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Over time MEASAT positioned itself alongside regional operators like AsiaSat, ChinaSat, JCSAT, and NSS to serve broadcasting platforms such as Astro (Malaysia) and carriers such as Maxis (Malaysia).

Satellites and Ground Infrastructure

MEASAT’s satellite constellation has included spacecraft built on platforms comparable to those used by Boeing, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Space Systems/Loral, and has occupied geostationary orbital slots nearby satellites operated by SES S.A., EUTELSAT, Thaicom, and AsiaSat. Ground infrastructure comprises teleport and control facilities similar in function to installations operated by Gilat Satellite Networks, Viasat, Inc., and Telesat. Telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) operations integrate with regional network operators and broadcasters such as Astro (Malaysia), Media Prima, and international content distributors like BBC and Discovery, Inc. to support direct-to-home (DTH), VSAT, and terrestrial backhaul services.

Services and Coverage

MEASAT provides a range of services including satellite capacity leasing, DTH distribution, VSAT broadband, and enterprise network backhaul connecting to partners such as Dish Network, DirecTV, Airtel, and Telstra. Coverage spans the Asia-Pacific footprint overlapping markets served by NBN Co., Optus, Singtel, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International, and Pacific island operators including Digicel subsidiaries. MEASAT supports content distribution for regional broadcasters like TVB, STAR TV, NHK, and Al Jazeera, and facilitates governmental and emergency communications comparable to services provided by Hisdesat and INMARSAT partners.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

MEASAT’s corporate structure reflects strategic shareholdings and investments involving Malaysian sovereign and private stakeholders, analogous to arrangements seen with Axiom Space-linked ventures and telecom holdings such as Telekom Malaysia and Axiata Group. Its governance and board composition have included executives and advisors with ties to regional institutions and multinationals, similar in network to leaders at SES S.A., Intelsat, and Thales Group. Commercial agreements involve cross-licensing, capacity swaps, and joint ventures with operators like AsiaSat, Thaicom, and major satellite manufacturers.

Launches and Partnerships

MEASAT has contracted launches with major providers including Arianespace, SpaceX, and historically with launch services utilized by International Launch Services and United Launch Alliance. Satellite procurements involved manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and Mitsubishi Electric. Strategic partnerships for broadcast and distribution have been formed with platform operators like Astro (Malaysia), content aggregators including Disney, WarnerMedia, and infrastructure partners such as SES S.A. and EUTELSAT. Collaborative projects and procurement decisions often mirrored industry patterns established by firms like Hughes Network Systems, Viasat, Inc., and Comsat.

Notable Events and Incidents

Notable milestones include satellite launches that expanded capacity for DTH and VSAT services impacting regional players like Astro (Malaysia), TVB, and StarHub. Incidents and operational events—typical in satellite operations—have involved coordination with international regulators and polling by agencies comparable to International Telecommunication Union procedures and national agencies such as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Commercial disputes, transponder leasing shifts, and capacity reassignments have paralleled industry occurrences experienced by Intelsat and SES S.A. and engaged legal and regulatory bodies across jurisdictions including Malaysia and regional neighbours such as Singapore and Indonesia.

Category:Satellite operators Category:Companies of Malaysia