Europe, Middle East and Africa Markets

EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) ("EchoStar") announced today the completion of its acquisition of DISH Network Corporation ("DISH Network") on December 31, 2023. To complete the acquisition, a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar merged with and into DISH Network, with DISH Network surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar. As previously announced, as a result of the merger, each share of DISH Network Class A Common Stock and DISH Network Class C Common Stock converted into 0.350877 shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock, and each share of DISH Network Class B Common Stock converted into 0.350877 shares of EchoStar Class B Common Stock.
The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) held in Dubai from November 20 to December 15, 2023 addressed the increasing demand for spectrum and the evolving technological landscape in the digital era, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. The article explores the impact of WRC-23 on 5G and 6G, the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite communications, and the crucial role of cybersecurity in shaping the future of radiocommunications. The conference's decisions on spectrum allocation are set to influence the characteristics, potential benefits, and challenges of future networks, ensuring secure operation. The article concludes that WRC-23 has laid a comprehensive framework for a secure, resilient, and innovative radiocommunications infrastructure, enabling new technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting growth across industries and societies.
The leading strategic space consulting and market intelligence firm Euroconsult has released the 23rd edition of its annual Government Space Program report confirming the growing financial efforts achieved by governments in the space sector. Keen to capitalize on the expanding space economy and to further strengthen their sovereign capabilities, government space expenditures have increased to $117 billion, a 15% increase compared to last year.  
​ The Board of Directors of the Spanish satellite operator approved today his appointment to replace Jordi Hereu. The Board of Directors of Hispasat, Redeia's Spanish satellite communications operator, approved today the appointment of Pedro Duque as the company's new president. This decision came after an extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting in which the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), a shareholder of Hispasat with 7.41%, proposed Pedro Duque as president of the operator, replacing Jordi Hereu. ​

Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed on revisions to the global treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum, both on Earth and in space, at the close of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The agreement on updates to the Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air and on land.

​​​​​​​Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, has announced a major development in its partnership with Rotana Group. Nine High Definition television channels from Rotana Group are now accessible on the Es’hail-2 satellite, positioned at the 26⁰ East hotspot and covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This addition is part of a comprehensive multi-channel, multi-year deal between Rotana and Es’hailSat, contributing to the expansion of the premium television channel video neighbourhood.
​​​​​​​With the rapid increase in space traffic anticipated over coming years, and the growing problem of space debris, improving Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is becoming increasingly important. The long-term sustainability of space is dependent on being able to effectively predict and prevent collisions, and for this we need better SSA systems.