coverstory_cover story 26/02/2014 18:20 Page 4
the main complainer, and some of its
journalists have been arrested in Cairo. Al
Jazeera, back in September, bluntly said it
could “categorically” state that Egyptian
authorities were deliberately jamming its
satellite signals and forcing it to change
frequencies in order to allow viewers to tune
in.
During the year the Qatar-based
broadcaster was forced to change frequencies
several times to allow viewers to continue to
watch the network's news and sport
channels. Al Jazeera claim to have proof that
the jamming was emanating from military
sites close to Cairo and were confident about
both the locations and who is responsible.
EXPANSION. Nilesat’s deal with Eutelsat
sees them earn a fee on leased capacity, so
the planned ‘joint’ occupation of what is seen
by Middle East broadcaster’s as the ‘Nilesat’
hot spot capacity makes perfect commercial
sense for both operators. Nilesat chief
engineer Salah Hamza says prices for
capacity remain firm. “We are expanding as
a company, with new facilities available for
clients.”
Hamza says that Nilesat continues to
search for a new orbital slot, given that 7-8
degrees West is, in effect, saturated. He says
that the prospects for Nilesat on its own to
locate such a position, given the numerous
competing filings already made, is difficult.
“But perhaps there is an option to share. Our
cl