Thuraya Introduces Second Generation Satellite Phones
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.
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27
September 2005 
