Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Sunday the launch of a new maritime satellite telephone service.
The new service will include voice, data, fax and Internet.
“We expect strong response worldwide for Thurayas maritime services as it is highly anticipated as a breakthrough product that combines easy operation and reasonable price,” Jamal al-Jarwan, Thurayas executive manager, told reporters.
“The maritime solution has been receiving high marks from all those who have tested it. We see its application in everything from small fishing boats to pleasure boats to shipping fleets,” he said.
Thuraya will offer uninterrupted satellite services across its entire coverage area which includes the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, Gulf waters, the North, Baltic, Caspian and Black Seas and parts of the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Jarwan said the company expects to sell up to 3,000 maritime terminals within the first five to six months.
Thuraya, established in 1997 by UAE state telecom monopoly Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, Arabsat and Qatar’s Qtel, recorded net profits of 38 million dollars (29 million euros) in 2003.
It has sold over 200,000 mobile handsets. It had over 185,000 direct users at the end of 2003 and expects to have 300,000 users by the end of this year.
