Key Strengths
Thuraya launched its mobile satellite telecommunication system on 21st October 2000 thus providing blanket-to-blanket coverage to more than 110 countries in Europe, North, Central Africa and large parts Southern Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia: a landmass inhabited by an estimated 2.3 billion people.
Thuraya offers voice, data, fax, short messaging and location determination services (GPS). Its hand held and vehicular terminals are dual mode, integrating GSM and satellite services.
System Characteristics
Thuraya is a GEO, or a geosynchronous, mobile satellite system that relies on one operational satellite and a second one for backup and capacity expansion. Other global mobile personal communications via satellite (GMPCS) systems, by comparison, comprise a constellation of satellites in lower orbit. the Thuraya 2 satellite is positioned in Geosynchronous Orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above the Earth, at 44 degrees East Longitude and inclined at 6.3 degrees. To achieve maximum efficiency, the satellite has been designed to accommodate changes in Thuraya’s traffic through a re-programmable payload that supports modifications to the coverage area in the post-launch period and optimises performance over high traffic demand areas.
Advanced Technology
Thuraya has partnered with the leaders in satellite manufacturing and telecommunications technology to design a state-of-the-art mobile satellite system. Thuraya’s main contractor, Boeing Satellite Systems (previously known as Hughes Space and Communication International, Inc.), built the system on a turnkey basis. The subcontractors are Ericsson, which has manufactured the network switching subsystem, joint suppliers Hughes Network Systems (HNS) and Ascom of Switzerland manufacturers of Thuraya’s terminals and LHS of Germany which is setting up Thuraya’s billing and customer care system.
Long History
Within the global mobile personal communications via satellite (GMPCS), the geosynchronous satellite system is the most reliable and the longest tested of all the mobile satellite systems.
Cost Effective Solution
Thuraya’s project cost of $1 billion for a GEO is low, as compared to other systems with much greater capital expenditure. The lowered outlay cost provides the basis for Thuraya’s unmatched competitiveness in the market. The price differential translates into lower infrastructural investment for service providers, and greater savings that are passed on to customers. Thuraya is an industry leader in terms of the affordability of its satellite handsets and per minute usage cost.
Longer Life Span
A GEO typically has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, as compared to less enduring low-orbit mobile satellite systems. The obvious advantage for Thuraya is the cost to return ration. It enables Thuraya to offer a longer partnership commitment to its partners, and they will in turn enjoy longer payback time on investment, coupled with the ability to transfer the benefits of reasonable product and service cost to customers.
Satellite and GSM Flexibility
Thuraya’s handheld and vehicular telephones combine satellite, GSM and GPS technologies. This provides the user with the advantages of three technologies, in a single user terminal.
The integration of satellite and GSM means that the customer is able to connect to local terrestrial networks and automatically switch to satellite mode outside those systems. This allows for seamless uninterrupted services in Thuraya’s coverage area of 99 nations. For the service provider, alliance with Thuraya translates into the dynamic expansion of their terrestrial networks and the ability for them to generate revenues from beyond their systems.
GPS Integration
Thuraya ’s inclusion of GPS as a standard feature in its handheld and vehicular models has two major advantages. On the service provider level, it allows for pinpoint accuracy in billing. Besides its obvious advantages in personal use, GPS has valuable applications for commercial fleets and relief operations.
Financial Standing
Thuraya is founded on an investor consortium made up of prominent national telecommunications organisations, financial houses and investment companies. Thuraya’s entire project cost of US $ 1 billion is fully financed. Besides the company’s paid up capital of US $ 500 million, Thuraya has successfully secured a US$ 600 million financing facility to pay for the remainder of the project cost.
"Satellite + GSM + GPS"
Thuraya’s mobile phones integrate satellite, cellular (GSM) and location determination (GPS)- three distinct and powerful technologies in a single handset.
The integration of satellite and GSM ensures that the user can connect to local terrestrial networks while automatically switching to satellite mode outside those systems. For the user, this translates into seamless and uninterrupted mobile phone service. For the service provider, it means that alliance with Thuraya translates into the dynamic expansion of their terrestrial networks, and the ability for them to generate revenues from beyond their systems.