In 1985, with the launch of two communications satellites, ARABSAT (the Arab Satellite Communications Organization – formed by the Arab League in 1976) became operational. The ARABSAT satellites are positioned in geo-stationary orbit above the equator.

Communications satellites facilitate the almost instantaneous transmission of many forms of data, including alphanumeric text, voice, still pictures and moving pictures. Their use, in news dissemination, in business, in entertainment and in education is limited only by the imagination and resources of the user.

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