Thuraya unveils new products at GITEX 2007
Affirming its dynamic market leadership, Thuraya Reveals New Competitive Products at GITEX 2007
Dubai, 9 September 2007 : Maintaining its established positioning as the world’s market leader for handheld mobile satellite services, the UAE-based Thuraya Satellite Telecom Co. has shed light on a series of new products and business initiatives during its presence at GITEX 2007 that will see the regional satellite operator enter a new phase of strategic growth and expansion.
In addition to launching the world’s smallest and smartest handheld satellite phones last year and leading industry efforts to drastically change price perceptions of satellite services with its US$ 0.20 per minute “ThurayaECO” prepaid service in 83 countries in mid 2007, the Company continues its product innovation pace with the introduction of such dynamic offerings as GmPRS in its handheld mobile terminals and ThurayaIP at 444 kbts for high speed data services.
The Geo-mobile Packet Radio Service (GmPRS), being offered as a built-in feature in Thuraya’s 2nd generation handheld mobile satellite terminals for the first time in the satellite industry, opens a new horizon of solutions and applications, particularly for the corporate and business users in such productivity-related applications as browsing Internet and using e-mail. Thus, the feature is increasingly turning Thuraya’s SG-2520 and SO-2510 mobile phones into a space-based “blackberry” for users in all areas uncovered by terrestrial networks.
“The GmPRS feature in handhelds is another accomplishment that is added to Thuraya’s large record of firsts in the satellite telecoms industry, and certainly a fundamental differentiation factor to ensure our competitive leadership in the mobile satellite voice in many years to come,” said Thuraya’s CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed, speaking at a press conference during GITEX.
He also pointed out that besides its unrivaled position as the provider of choice for mobile satellite handheld services, the Company is making major headways in other major market segments such as broadband and maritime services as part of a strategy to expand its service portfolio and increase market share in world’s satellite telecom industry.
In January 2008, the Company will be launching its advanced, powerful ThurayaIP terminal to provide high speed data services up to 444 kbts. In a competitively compact A-5 size, the new terminal will be the smallest portable device in the satellite broadband market. “The very small, convenient size, together with our highly cost-effective service packages, will make Thuraya among the best and most attractive satellite broadband offerings for heavy users in government, corporate, business, NGOs and media sectors,” emphasised Mr. Al Sayed.
Thuraya’s CEO also spoke about a new ThurayaMarine terminal that is expected to reposition the Company more appropriately in the maritime communications sector with its arrival in the market in January 2008. “With new high-performance omni-directional and stabilised antennas and built-in GmPRS feature, ThurayaMarine has been designed to offer a quality, reliable, cost-effective and advanced satellite communications for the numerous sea-going communities,” he explained.
He also added that Maritime is one of the biggest markets for satellite telecom operators, and the new terminal, with its highly improved data capability, will make Thuraya among the best offerings for the international maritime communications.
“All these new and high-potential service innovations have been strategically designed to expand Thuraya’s business portfolio, broaden its customer base and build new sustainable revenue streams,” stressed Mr. Al Sayed.
The Company also displayed a variety of new products at GITEX exhibition including the Fixed Docking Unit (FDU) for the 2nd generation handheld terminals which enables usage of these satellite phones in indoor environment. The new FDU supports GmPRS as an added feature allowing use of high speed data in indoor places where satellite broadband is usually not possible.
Thuraya’s 2nd version Public Calling Office (PCO) terminal, which is highly competitive in its advanced versatile features, compact size and price affordability, was also showcased and launched for the first time at GITEX. The product is aimed at augmenting the Company’s vast product range and meeting a growing regional need for affordable, convenient public access to communications in remote, rural areas in many developing countries.
On a more key note, Mr Al Sayed announced during the press conference that the launch date for Thuraya-3 satellite has now been set for 28th October 2007. The new satellite is part of the Company’s strategic plans to expand Thuraya’s current coverage towards East Asia, covering several key Asia-Pacific markets including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as Australia, thus doubling the population and market size under its footprint.
“This is a major and exciting milestone for all Thuraya’s stakeholders, transforming the Company into a multi-regional satellite telecom operator and opening great horizons for continued expansion and growth,” he elaborated.
Following the launch of Thuraya-3 satellite, the Company expects to complete the satellite In-Orbit Testing (IOT) by 6th December and start commercial services in Asia Pacific markets by 23rd December 2007.