Thuraya

By Rashid Ahmed Baba Rashid Ahmad Senior Manager Product Management

Thuraya is a world leading mobile satellite operator that provides mobile voice, data, maritime, rural telephony, fleet management and other telecom solutions in remote and sea areas unserved by terrestrial networks. Primary customers and users of the Thuraya system include vertical companies, oil and gas industry, media and news-gathering networks, military and government institutions, NGOs, rural communities, maritime and fishing industries, private users and others who need reliable access to modern telecoms in areas beyond terrestrial networks.

With a satellite system that covers more than 140 countries, Thuraya provides an uninterrupted telecom service all the way from Iceland in the Atlantic Ocean to Australia. The coverage area, with more than 4 billion population, includes the majority of developing markets, huge rural and village communities, vertical businesses, NGOs, and a substantial maritime segment.

With market leadership of satellite handhelds over many years, Thuraya has made major strides in other vital satellite telecom segments, such as broadband and maritime.

Thuraya IP, a satellite broadband service using a compact A-5 sized terminal with transmission speed of 444 Kbps, is among the most competitive offerings in the portable satellite data market. Being the smallest in size in the portable satellite broadband category, with a video-streaming feature that functions at a speed of 384 Kbps, Thuraya IP has already attracted an accelerated demand from SP and distributors, as well as from the vertical market, media and private subscribers. It is renowned for its congestion-free network which provides instant accessibility to broadband communications for all Thuraya IP customers.

For the vast and growing maritime segment, Thuraya offers a specialised and high performance maritime solution catering to the needs of small and medium-sized vessels. Thuraya Marine provides voice, data, fax and location-based communications to ship crew, passengers, fishermen and leisure teams. The product has also been gradually adopted by the international cargo maritime industry.

Building the world largest subscriber base for mobile satellite handhelds, Thuraya's terminals are the most competitive in the MSS market, including the world's "smallest" and "smartest" handhelds. These phones, which are the second-generation product, are a technological breakthrough, considering their size, features and functionalities. Thuraya's handhelds come with a satellite service, GSM, GPS, GmPRS, camera and other value-added services.

Reaffirming its leading position in the mobile satellite handhelds, Thuraya recently introduced the world's toughest satellite phone, known as Thuraya XT. This sturdy yet professional satellite only handheld has been meticulously designed to withstand the most robust of circumstances and has incomparably reliable battery life. The newly launched Thuraya XT will continue propelling Thuraya forward and confirming the Company's position as the world's leader in mobile satellite handhelds.

Other solutions in Thuraya's product mix include Public Calling Office (PCO) and ThurayaPayphone which offer a convenient and cost effective phone service to communities in remote and rural areas. Furthermore, ThurayaDSL provides Internet connectivity to the low-end market at a speed of 144 kbps. To support a wide and continued use of its products, the Company also offers peripheral accessories that flexibly allow usage of satellite products indoor or in vehicles with comprehensive accessories.

Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and reputed investment houses from the region.