Matra Marconi Space (MMS) is to head a consortium including Matra Hautes Technologies, Nera of Norway and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority to operate the Euro African Satellite Telecommunication (EAST) company, to provide satellite services to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The $800 million project, using an MMS-built satellite, will be operational in 2001. The EAST company will enter into agreements with national service-provider investors and financial institutions.
Source: Flight International