International TV Reporter Fond of Thuraya-IP’s Portability and Performance
Dennis Porter, an experienced Canadian TV reporter, set off to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with an aim to explore news stories that have gone largely unreported in that part of Africa. As part of his essential broadcasting gear, Dennis has carried with him the world’s toughest satellite handheld phone Thuraya XT, and the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution Thuraya IP. Both devices have so far proved very vital to the project he is pursuing.
With over a decade career in TV journalism and broadcast media during which he worked for the Discovery Channel and CBC in Canada, Dennis is currently based in the city of Goma in eastern DRC. He has filed news stories to the CBC TV and Radio in Canada and is targeting a wider network of broadcasters in coming weeks.
He is searching several angles of African social, economic and political life which have not been sufficiently highlighted or studied by Western and international media yet. He is meeting academics, journalists, community leaders and ordinary people from various walks of life.
Speaking about his experience in Congo, Dennis Porter said: “Broadcasting news can be difficult at times here in Goma, and in Congo generally. Access to the advanced technology and equipment required to finish assignments is not easy. And on the other hand, power and mobile networks can go down for long periods of time, which makes it impossible to function as a remote TV reporter. That’s where my Thuraya equipment is so instrumental. Most of the time, Thuraya’s satellite network is my only link to the outside world.”
In such conditions, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity is exactly what a reporter needs. “One thing that you absolutely cannot do when filing news stories is missing a deadline. With Thuraya IP and the experience I ‘ve had with it in this media journey so far, I can guarantee that I’ll be able to feed my story out on time” said Dennis.
Dennis Porter’s choice of Thuraya IP came after careful consideration of available options. The long battery life, the ease of ‘Plug and Play’ setup, the excellent high-speed connection and flexible service packages were all features that really made the Thuraya IP stand out.
“Two weeks ago, I spent several hours stuck in a remote forest when the roads were washed out with rain. I could not afford to waste such a long time. So, I pulled out my Thuraya IP, got connected to the net and did a lot of work. No matter where I am, I can get to work just as if I was sitting in an office building back in Toronto” He commented.
The compact size of Thuraya IP (A-5) makes it very portable, which is a huge advantage for the broadcast media. “The unit itself slips easily into my laptop bag, alongside my computer. It’s incredible to me that everything I need to shoot, edit and send in high definition video across the planet, can fit into my carry-on bag,” remarked Dennis.
Moving broadcast video over the internet involves huge file sizes. Dennis Porter noted that Thuraya’s unlimited data plan makes sending audio and video files much more affordable. “It also allows me to take a quick peak at a friend’s vacation photos online, without being concerned about how much it will cost,” he added.
Ebrahim K. Ebrahim, Thuraya’s Vice President Corporate Communications, said: “Broadcast media has been among the key market segments considered when designing the Thuraya IP and its features. The current performance of the solution is based on a series of testing by professionals and international TV networks.”
Dennis concluded: “Both the Thuraya XT and Thuraya IP are very reliable and well built. I have met many reporters here who were very impressed with the size and performance of Thuraya IP. I know from my experience that many foreign journalists would not report from some places in Africa because they do not know how to send the footage back to their networks. With Thuraya IP and Thuraya XT I can address this issue and start reporting some of the big stories that have gone untold for far too long”
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About Thuraya (www.thuraya.com)
Thuraya provides cost-effective mobile satellite services in more than 140 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. Services provided by Thuraya include broadband, maritime, mobile voice that support dual GSM and satellite mode, rural telephony, fleet management and other advanced applications that enable people and businesses everywhere under its coverage to enjoy constant access to communications and information. Thuraya enhances sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, NGOs and maritime services through its cutting edge technology.
The Company launched its third satellite in January 2008, which has brought countries of the Asia-Pacific region under its footprint and extended its coverage to nearly two thirds of the globe’s population.
Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and reputed investment firms from the region.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ebrahim K. Ebrahim
Corporate Communications Department
Thuraya Telecommunications Co.
Post Box 283333 Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4488-828
Fax: 971-4-4488-899
Email: e_ebrahim@thuraya.com
