Thuraya Expands Commercial Partnership with Etisalat to Provide IP and Marine in the UAE

8 December 2010

Thuraya, the world leading mobile satellite operator has expanded its partnership with Etisalat, the region’s largest telecom service provider, appointing them as distributors of IP and Marine in the UAE. Etisalat, will be marketing and distributing Thuraya’s satellite data and maritime services to vertical markets throughout the country.  

Both operators will be cooperating to ensure that through Thuraya’s satellite network coverage, customers from various segments such as energy, government, large corporations as well as private users will be able to benefit from improved voice and data connectivity across the UAE.  

“Partnering with Etisalat will ensure that customers in the UAE seeking satellite high-speed data or maritime services have their demands met. Our ubiquitous coverage of the UAE and waterways complements Etisalat’s wide terrestrial network providing customers with uninterrupted service even in the most remote areas,” said Thuraya’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ali Al Mazrooei. 

On a similar note Mr. Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President - Marketing Etisalat said, “We are pleased to enhance our partnership with Thuraya by cooperatively offering satellite-based data and maritime services. Through our extensive distribution network, customers will be able to access the user-friendly and efficient capabilities of both Thuraya IP and Thuraya Marine which provide superior communication owing to their advanced features.” 

Thuraya IP is the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution that was the first to reach streaming speeds of 384 Kbps. With Standard IP speeds of up to 444 Kbps, Thuraya IP is based on a user-friendly plug and play system which means users do not need to install additional software. Ultra-compact, portable and mobile, the solution is uniquely A-5 sized and is the only satellite broadband solution with asymmetric streaming where customers can select upload and download speeds. Supported by an advanced network which dynamically allocates resources in areas where there is high demand, the solution provides reliable service for web browsing, streaming and data exchange facilitating communications for several sectors.

Thuraya Marine is a multi-communication device designed specifically for the maritime sector, especially small to medium-sized vessels. The solution offers voice, data, SMS and fax services onboard ships as well as emergency distress calling. The solution is easy-to-install with an omni-directional antenna that is operable regardless of the ships movements.