The smallest and lightest satellite phone in the industry, Thuraya Introduces 2nd Generation Satellite Phones at GITEX 2005
25 September 2005
Dubai, UAE- In a new step that further reinforces its market leadership in the mobile satellite business, Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company has unveiled today an aggressive plan to launch a highly competitive 2 nd generation satellite phone in the first quarter of next year.
Designed to be the smallest and lightest phone in the satellite industry and a major differentiation feature for Thuraya, the new satellite phone is anticipated to drive the Company’s future business growth, by meeting the needs of people in remote areas as well as GSM users seeking roaming capabilities in areas beyond GSM networks.
The sleek and stylish satellite phone combines satellite, GSM and GPS, with built-in GPRS, MMS and JAVA features. The GPRS feature allows an always-on access to internet. Users will be able to download and upload information using Thuraya’s satellite network anywhere in the coverage area. Similarly, the GPRS capabilities can also be enjoyed on the GSM mode.
Additionally, the new satellite phone has a tri-band GSM system that allows it to operate on different GSM networks (900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) and it also has many high-end GSM features such as a built-in camera, video, a high-resolution colour screen and a multi-language support.
The new phone comes in three versions: a satellite-only version designed for those requiring mobile connectivity in areas beyond terrestrial networks, and a Satellite/GSM version that is geared towards existing GSM users requiring mobile connectivity and roaming in areas beyond terrestrial networks. Both come with superior GPS navigational features that allow users to find locations and reach destinations safely and quickly.
The third version is a satellite modem that is designed for integration and use with other devices. The satellite modem is part of the 2-nd generation product-line and is meant to support new and future applications and solutions developed by Thuraya or third parties.
The new satellite phone uses an advanced operating system, which enables it to run various applications, and its Java feature contains a variety of applications that are compliant with third-party Java functionalities. It also supports Secure Digital (SD) external memory card for additional large-capacity uses. “Thus, it is completely a smart phone allowing so many functionalities for different users,” says Thuraya’s CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed.
He points out that the new satellite phone constitutes a technological breakthrough that sets new standards for modern handheld mobile satellite phones. “We have built on the success and core features of the 1 st generation satellite phone. But we have made the 2 nd generation phone much more superior than any other handheld satellite phone in terms of compact size, elegant design and powerful multi-system performance,” continued Mr. Al Sayed.
The satellite service option in the Thuraya mobile phone allows users to roam with their phones across Thuraya’s coverage area of more than 120 countries, in urban areas as well as remote locations beyond the reach of terrestrial systems. The phone can also automatically switch to GSM roaming partner networks. Currently serving the largest subscriber base of handheld mobile satellite service, Thuraya has sold over 341,000 handheld terminals since commercial launch.