It was reported on Nov. 7, 2007 that Turkish satellite communication and cable TV operator Turksat would launch its new telecommunication satellite Turksat 3A in April 2008. Turksat 3A would enable the Turksat TV operator to offer telecommunication services as well as direct TV broadcasting over Turkey, Europe and Central Asia.

Turkey had signed an agreement with French Alcatel Alenia Space in 2006 for the construction and in-orbit delivery of new powerful telecommunication satellite, or Turksat 3A, which would replace the old one, Turksat 1C. Alcatel Alenia Space, as a prime contractor, has been in charge of the satellite design, construction and test activities, as well as in-orbit delivery and modernization of the ground segment. Some 22 Turkish engineers have been working in Alcatel facilities in France for the construction works of the new satellite.