Thuraya has launched its first satellite aeronautical service, AviationComms, which aims to provide cost-effective voice communications for various types of aircraft.
 

 
The initial service offering is based on Thuraya’s compact narrowband terminal, providing voice, fax and 9.6 kilobits per second (Kbps) circuit switch data, as well as GmPRS data at speeds of up to 60 Kbps. The solution is already installed and operational onboard more than 200 helicopters and business jets.
 
Thuraya said it would offer an enhanced AviationComms portfolio and service later this year. The company also is currently developing a terminal that will provide data speeds of up to 444 Kbps in standard mode and up to 384 Kbps in streaming mode as well as voice and optional onboard GSM services. The terminal is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter.

Ease of ‘Plug and Play’ supports Thuraya IP competitiveness

The world’s smallest satellite broadband solution, Thuraya IP is designed with a user-friendly plug and play system. Thuraya IP is one of the few solutions on the market which does not require customers to install additional software when operating Thuraya IP.
 
Both data exchange and speed define the modern age of communication and those in need of rapid and reliable broadband services require easy and efficient access to the internet and email. Through a satellite broadband terminal such as Thuraya IP, customers can access high speed data services regardless of their location without having to install complicated and specialised software when using the solution which facilitates the connection process.
 

 
Thuraya IP is the first satellite broadband terminal to reach 384 Kbps video-streaming speeds and has Standard IP speeds of up to 444 Kbps. A-5 sized, it is a lightweight and portable device that offers asymmetric streaming whereby the user can select download and upload speeds without having to compromise on quality or cost. The terminal has seen market boost from vertical market customers such as broadcast media, government, oil and gas, military and individual users.

Thuraya phones available at duty free

There is welcome news for regional and business travellers as Thuraya's mobile satellite phones are now available in Bahrain Duty Free.
 

 
On top of Thuraya's handhelds portfolio is XT which is the world's toughest and lightest satellite handheld phone. The XT is a uniquely smart handheld with the fastest data service and has GPS waypoint navigation. In addition, Thuraya's SO-2510 (satellite only) and SG-2520 (a dual satellite/GSM phone) also will be available at Bahrain Duty Free.

Telecoms in a different splashdown

After years of doing business in outer space with its satellite phones, Thuraya has splashed down with a new product for maritime communications.
 
The UAE-based telecommunications operator is offering handsets and basic internet connections using two satellites covering Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

 
Thuraya distributes three handsets sold by authorised dealers, two of which are able to connect to the internet through a satellite link. It has sold about 500,000 devices since it began commercial operations in 2002.
 
Sultan Ahmed al Ghafli, the chief strategy officer for Thuraya, said the operator had about 250,000 subscribers using its handsets around the world but was also losing customers.

 
Worldwide satellite mobile revenues have been flat between 2008 and last year at US$2.2 billion (Dh8.08bn), figures from the Satellite Industry Association show.
 
To stimulate growth, Thuraya has developed products aimed at the lucrative maritime market, including a phone and internet bundle that will be launched this October at the Gitex technology conference.

Thuraya Handheld Phones to be Sold at Bahrain Duty Free

To expand direct sales to regional and business travelers, Thuraya’s mobile satellite phones are now available in Bahrain Duty Free, which is one of the busiest transit points in the Middle East.

Thuraya is aiming to serve travelers who are heading towards Gulf states via Bahrain for business, tourism or leisure as it is a vital hub for several Gulf residents.

“Market research has indicated that demand for Thuraya phones via Bahrain airport is enormous. With massive passenger traffic growing at Bahrain airport, we want to ensure our customers can easily purchase our phones from the airport retail outlets,” said Thuraya’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Sultan Al Ghafli.

He also added that by expanding Thuraya’s current distribution network through airport outlets, the Company will be able to grow its handhelds customer base which is already the largest in the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) market.

On top of Thuraya’s handhelds portfolio is XT which is the world’s toughest and lightest satellite handheld phone. The XT is a uniquely smart handheld with the fastest data service and has GPS waypoint navigation. It is also extremely robust and durable. In addition, Thuraya’s SO-2510 (satellite only) and SG-2520 (a dual satellite/GSM phone)  also will be available at Bahrain Duty Free.

Bahrain Airport has approximately 45 airlines with passengers traveling to over 65 destinations and more than 9 million annual travelers. Most recently, it has been named as the winner of the Best Airport in the Middle East Award at the Skytrax 2010 World Airport Awards.

Thuraya Focuses on NGOs as Major Market Segment

Non-government organisations (NGOs) and disaster management agencies which coordinate global humanitarian and relief efforts are a key market segment for Thuraya Telecom Co. Communications is one of the most vital requirements for NGO's success. These agencies which operate in numerous parts of the world are on many occasions based in indigenous and remote hotspots that are not appropriately served by terrestrial telecom networks. Hence, NGOs are always on the look-out for handy and reliable telecom solutions.
 
With this in mind, Thuraya has been very active in the NGOs communications market. The Company's participation in Aid and International Development Forum (AIDF) to be held in Washington D.C from 22nd to 23rd July 2010 is an example of its initiatives to better understand and serve this key market.
 

 
Thuraya's Vice President Corporate Communications, Ebrahim K. said: "We have proven satellite IP, voice, rural telephony and emergency communications products that have been widely used by international NGOs within our 140-country coverage area". He added: "In fact, most of the NGOs operating around the world today are in Asia, Africa and the Middle East which are core markets and which are supported by Thuraya's dynamic world-class network."

 
On top of the Company's service list is the world's smallest satellite broadband solution, Thuraya IP, which provides high speed data through a compact A-5 sized device that facilitates web browsing and video-streaming at efficient speeds for the NGO sector.
Thuraya pioneered the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) sector's first NettedComms solution for emergency communications. It integrates different telecom platforms in a closed user group allowing diverse humanitarian and aid agencies to communicate with one another even when terrestrial networks have been destroyed. For voice services, Thuraya provides the world's toughest satellite phone, Thuraya XT designed with features that best suit outdoor satellite telecoms.

 
"The NGO and disaster management sector is growing as a market segment and have very specialised telecom needs. At Thuraya, we are building our knowledge and expertise with this sector for many years now, culminating in establishing a dedicated business team to efficiently address their needs and demands," said Mr. Ebrahim.

Thuraya XTs Enhanced Audio Design Ensures Superior Call Clarity

The new Thuraya XT incorporates the most advanced technology to ensure the highest audio quality during phone calls. Backed by a superior network with blanket coverage in 140 countries, this refined call clarity is most important in remote areas or in emergency situations where clear communication is vital.

 


 
The Codec rate of Thuraya XT is the highest within its category which contributes to the superior audio quality customers experience when making or receiving calls. No matter the location, be it the highest mountain summit or in the remotest area users will always find that the clarity of calls is unprecedented, said Thurayas Vice President Corporate Communications, Mr. Ebrahim Khalil Ebrahim.
 
With Thuraya XT, customers can communicate with crystal clear clarity. When we designed the phone we introduced technologies to ensure there was no distortion of sound whatsoever adding to the reliability of this competitive handheld, elaborated Mr. Ebrahim.
 
Thuraya XT is the worlds toughest satellite phone with a unique combination of IP54/IK03 standards to make it dust, splash water and impact resistant. It is the smallest and lightest satellite phone on the market despite its robustness and the most functional as it provides the fastest data service and GPS Waypoint navigation features.

Company linked to Gaddafi family targets defence

The son of the Libyan dictator, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, sits on the board of the satellite company used by Australia's newest mobile telecommunications carrier, a company that is ''vigorously targeting'' the Department of Defence.
 
Dr Muhammad Muammar el Gaddafi is a board member of Thuraya, which owns and operates the satellite services Indigo Telecom will use to transmit voice and data calls.
 
Thuraya, based in the United Arab Emirates, also manufactures satellite phone handsets.
 

 
Indigo's satellite services will cover the parts of central Australia that Telstra's NextG network does not reach, the chief executive, David Ruddiman, said at the company's launch in Brisbane.
 
Optus has been using the Thuraya satellite network for satellite customers in remote areas since 2008.
 
But Mr Ruddiman said Indigo would be ''vigorously targeting'' contracts with defence bases and personnel in remote Australia, as well as emergency services, mining and transportation companies and people in remote areas.
 
Indigo would announce a distribution agreement soon, Mr Ruddiman said, and already had a contract with defence services in South Australia.
 
He acknowledged there could be security concerns regarding Dr Gaddafi's position at Thuraya - Libya was listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by the US until June 2006 - but Mr Ruddiman said Indigo had security measures in place: ''We have encryption technology that we deploy to overcome any security concerns that people may have to the voice and data that travels over the satellite.''
 
Mr Ruddiman said the company would establish a gateway within two years so that all voice and data travelled straight to the satellite, and was not sent around the world.
 
Dr Gaddafi is a entrepreneur who was unlikely to have excessive influence over Thuraya, a senior lecturer in Middle East studies at Deakin University, Sally Totman, said.
 
''Gaddafi is a businessman who comes from an unusual family but he is certainly not a danger to Australia,'' Dr Totman said.
 
Mr Ruddiman said any concerns about the Thuraya board was counterbalanced by the quality of Indigo Telecom's directors - the board contains four Americans with strong links to the US State Department. He added that the Indigo Telecom board was aware of Dr Gaddafi's role at Thuraya and had no problems with it.

New Product - SIMsational

Users of Thuraya ECO, which is a unique service available in 83 countries providing 50 percent cheaper call charges, will now be able to access one year of service from the date of their first call. Even with the new enhancements, the Thuraya ECO SIM pack continues to be an affordable solution for communications, especially in areas where there is limited access to terrestrial networks. Thuraya provides ubiquitous blanket coverage in urban centers as well as in remote and rural areas in 140 countries across the globe.

 

On July 1st, Thuraya will launch an enhanced Thuraya ECO. Customers are now able to enjoy one year validity for SIM cards and more pre-loaded credit if they acquire a Thuraya ECO SIM pack.

ThurayaIP Broadband Data Service

Thuraya IP satellite modem offers Broadband Data Service through a highly compact, ultra lightweight and advanced satellite terminal. As the world's first and only Mobile Satellite Service to support 384 Kbps streaming IP, ThurayaIP offers superior 'Always on' super quick Internet access even from the remotest regions in more than 120 countries in the world.


A generation ahead in design and performance, ThurayaIP satellite broadband modem combines ultimate performance with a customized rugged design and protection to sustain rough usage. It is very portable and easy to setup - a simple plug and play mechanism that comes with user friendly graphical user interface.

ThurayaIP is ideal…

For single users using bandwidth-hungry applications, such as transmission of store and forward video, live video and video conferencing.
For small teams who need to set up a temporary office with broadband connectivity from standard to various data applications.
Corporate customers
Government agencies
Media
Non Governmental Organizations

Applications

Internet access – High speed Internet at speeds of up to 444 Kbps.
Streaming – Select guaranteed quality of service up to 384 Kbps on demand for bandwidth hungry applications like video streaming.
Remote Connectivity – Broadband access to your corporate network, for up-to-date and instant access to company and customer information.
Email – Send and receive email via the Internet or other email applications.
File transfer – Send and receive large files.

Benefits

Choice of multi performance options – Access your data applications with multiple performance options to suit your various operational requirements:

“Standard” background IP service with bandwidth of up to 444 Kbps for Internet access, etc
Dedicated streaming IP services ranging from 16 Kbps to 384 Kbps for bandwidth hungry applications like video streaming.
Absolutely Portable – Exceptionally small in size (A5 size), ThurayaIP can be easily moved across locations and set up instantly.
Highly Competitive – Offers the most attractive and competitive service with volume based charging via various bundling options and unlimited usage price plans.
Robust – Conforms to IP 55 standard ingress protection standards; enabling outdoor installation in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
Unmatched Flexibility – Easy to use in both portable and semi-fixed environments. Instant LAN setup through multi-user support allows an entire team to share a single unit.
Convenience– Simply connect ThurayaIP to a laptop, point to the satellite and enjoy satellite Broadband services.
Stand Alone – Easy to setup and start working- no laptop or PC is required to navigate setup. An embedded button and LCD in the terminal guides you through the whole setup control.
Complete security with GmPRS encryption algorithm (GEA2) - Connect seamlessly via your preferred VPN application.

ThurayaIP Brochure
ThurayaIP User Manual