Thuraya has been selected by SMART Communications of the Philippines for the launch of its new crew calling service, Marino PhonePal.
The multi-year deal will see SMART partner with Thuraya on network services and hardware for its maritime voice service, which connects thousands of Filipino seafarers to their loved ones.
Marino PhonePal is an expansion of SMART’s current crew calling service, from an existing Asia Pacific footprint now to include major sea lanes in Australia, New Zealand, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya, says Marino PhonePal customers will now benefit from a seamless and reliable connection at fixed prices.
“We are pleased to be working with an experienced telecommunications leader like SMART which has a strong connection to one of the world’s major maritime markets. Their background in maritime and Thuraya’s portfolio of high quality and reliable MSS products, flexible solutions and robust network coverage across Europe, the Middle East and Asia are extremely complementary.”
Through this partnership, SMART will offer low cost prepaid calls to seafarers while at sea using Thuraya’s SF2500 voice terminals.
SMART’s Chief Wireless Adviser, Orlando Vea, said, “Ship owners and operators understand the value of making a robust crew calling service available to their seafarers. Thuraya offers a strong and reliable solution combined with attractive price plans that fit these requirements. We are excited to embark on this partnership which is beneficial to all parties and most importantly, will benefit seafarers around the world.”