Abu Dhabi, 8th December 2010: Thuraya, the world leading mobile satellite operator has expanded its partnership with Etisalat, the region’s largest telecom service provider, appointing them as distributors of IP and Marine in the UAE. Etisalat, will be marketing and distributing Thuraya’s satellite data and maritime services to vertical markets throughout the country.
Both operators will be cooperating to ensure that through Thuraya’s satellite network coverage, customers from various segments such as energy, government, large corporations as well as private users will be able to benefit from improved voice and data connectivity across the UAE.
“Partnering with Etisalat will ensure that customers in the UAE seeking satellite high-speed data or maritime services have their demands met. Our ubiquitous coverage of the UAE and waterways complements Etisalat’s wide terrestrial network providing customers with uninterrupted service even in the most remote areas,” said Thuraya’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ali Al Mazrooei.
On a similar note Mr. Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President – Marketing Etisalat said, “We are pleased to enhance our partnership with Thuraya by cooperatively offering satellite-based data and maritime services. Through our extensive distribution network, customers will be able to access the user-friendly and efficient capabilities of both Thuraya IP and Thuraya Marine which provide superior communication owing to their advanced features.”
Thuraya IP is the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution that was the first to reach streaming speeds of 384 Kbps. With Standard IP speeds of up to 444 Kbps, Thuraya IP is based on a user-friendly plug and play system which means users do not need to install additional software. Ultra-compact, portable and mobile, the solution is uniquely A-5 sized and is the only satellite broadband solution with asymmetric streaming where customers can select upload and download speeds. Supported by an advanced network which dynamically allocates resources in areas where there is high demand, the solution provides reliable service for web browsing, streaming and data exchange facilitating communications for several sectors.
Thuraya Marine is a multi-communication device designed specifically for the maritime sector, especially small to medium-sized vessels. The solution offers voice, data, SMS and fax services onboard ships as well as emergency distress calling. The solution is easy-to-install with an omni-directional antenna that is operable regardless of the ships movements.
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 mobile voice that support dual GSM and satellite mode, broadband, maritime, 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
About Etisalat
Etisalat is one of the leading telecommunications companies in the world and one of the largest operators in the Middle East and Africa, headquartered in the UAE. Etisalat operates in 18 countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, servicing over 107m customers out of a total population of approximately 1.9bn people.
In 2009, Etisalat reported annual Net Revenues of AED 30.831billion and Net Profits of AED 8.836 billion marking a 5% and 16% increase respectively, compared to 2008. Etisalat is rated by Moody’s: Aa3, Standard & Poor’s: AA- and Fitch Ratings: A+.
Etisalat is a comprehensive telecommunications provider offering a one-stop shop for mobile and fixed-line voice and data services to individuals, enterprises and international telecommunications companies, ISPs, content providers and mobile operators. It is also the major hub in the Middle East, for internet, voice, mobilebroadband, broadcast, roaming and corporate data services, with an extensive regional and intercontinental network. It is the largest carrier of international voice traffic in the Middle East and Africa and the 12th largest voice carrier in the world. Etisalat is the largest comprehensive provider of carrier and wholesale services in the region with Points of Presence (PoP) in New York, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Singapore providing a truly global reach. Etisalat has over 580 roaming agreements connecting 190 countries enabling BlackBerry, 3G and voice roaming.
Etisalat is a major investor in Thuraya, one of the world’s leading satellite geo-mobile communication systems covering approximately two thirds of the planet’s surface.
Etisalat’s accomplishments in different fields in the telecom sector has strengthened the company’s reputation regionally as a company of reference in the industry. In 2010, Etisalat has been recognized many times by international agencies such as Telecoms World Middle East 2010 granted Etisalat “Best Middle Eastern Wholesale Carrier” and “Best Operator”. SAMENA Telecommunications Council awarded Etisalat “Best Customer Experience Provider of the Year”, “Best Operator of the Year” and “Best FMC Operator of the Year”.
