Thuraya launches the most advanced mobile satellite phone
Dubai,UAE, March 19, 2007 – After its highly successful launch of the world’s smallest satellite phone last year, Thuraya has released the most advanced handset in the mobile satellite services industry.
The SG-2520 smart phone was introduced at a workshop for Thuraya’s service providers and distributors in Dubai today, Monday 19th March.
“The waiting is over. The SG is here,” said Thuraya CEO Yousuf Al Sayed said in a message to the participants. “Just as we expected, the demand for this phone is so high that we are ordering fresh supplies,” he added.
Thuraya plans to sell some 70,000 units of the second-generation handset in the first year. The dual-mode – satellite and GSM – terminal will retail between US$900 and US$1,100 depending on the market. The satellite-only SO-2510 launched last year was a runaway success with the Company recording sales of more than 60,000 units in just four months.
At 170 grams, the SG-2520 is the only satellite-GSM tri-band phone that provides connectivity across the world, in Thuraya’s satellite coverage area as well as throughout GSM networks globally.
It is loaded with features such as GPS, GmPRS or mobile satellite Internet using IP technology, a high-resolution colour screen, enhanced memory and polyphonic ringtones.
Data can be downloaded at speeds of up to 60Kbps and uploaded at 15Kbps. The GmPRS service, first of its kind in the MSS industry, will be available to customers at an additional fee.
The phone is also capable of sending multimedia messaging and emails allowing the satellite users for the first time to instantly share pictures as well as video clips with others even while in remote areas. The embedded email client and built-in 1.3-Megapixel camera are significant enhancements not available in any other satellite phone.
The SG-2520 is enriched with GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz capabilities, runs on Windows-based operating system and supports Java. The phone is capable of running applications developed for the mobile handsets using its Java capabilities and its operating system. It also supports 12 languages.
The quality and the competitive features of the new phone as well as the extremely positive market reaction reflect Thuraya’s continued dynamism in the MSS industry.
It also shows the Company is committed to providing its customers the best handsets using the latest technology combined with superior services.
The GEN-II terminals were manufactured in South Korea by APSI, a firm partly owned by Thuraya.