Thuraya launches Prepaid Roaming for GSM users in UAE, Saudi and Africa

First of its kind by a mobile satellite operator, the new service allows Thuraya's prepaid subscribers to roam on those GSM networks, and at the same time, allows the prepaid subscribers of those GSM networks to roam on Thuraya's large satellite network covering more than 110 countries.

Like GSM, only Thuraya's postpaid subscribers were able to use this facility before the launch of this innovative service.

The service will allow Thuraya prepaid subscribers to make calls and send SMS while roaming on local GSM networks. Similarly, it will be highly beneficial for prepaid GSM users who will, for the first time, be able with their existing GSM SIM cards to roam on an extensive satellite network which provides a blanket telecom coverage even in remote and rural areas.

Prepaid roaming was initially launched with Ettihad Etisalat (Mobily) of Saudi Arabia, but has since gradually expanded to several GSM networks including STC (Al Jawwal), Etisalat of UAE, Telecel of Burkina Faso and Moov of Cote d'Ivoire. More GSM networks, including Etisalat Misr of Egypt will be added soon.

Thuraya is the only mobile satellite services (MSS) provider to offer Prepaid Roaming, which comes as part of the Company's continued service innovation and differentiation strategy. With some 250,000 subscribers, Thuraya has the largest subscriber base for mobile satellite handhelds.

"With the continued expansion of our Prepaid Roaming partners, the service is expected to be a major attraction for Thuraya's subscribers in the 110 countries currently under its coverage," said Sultan Al Ghafli, Thuraya's Chief Commercial Officer.

Efforts are underway to add more GSM networks to the service, he said. Thuraya already has roaming agreements with 220 GSM networks around the world for postpaid subscribers.

"Prepaid Roaming constitutes another dimension of our partnership with GSM networks," said Mr. Al Ghafli, elaborating that Thuraya is the only mobile satellite operator whose terminals include a GSM service.

Thuraya has successfully launched in recent months the world's smallest (SO-2510) and the world's smartest (SG-2520) satellite handheld phones, which are identical to GSM handsets in terms of size, weight and advanced mobile functionalities.

Thuraya offers highly competitive roaming charges for GSM subscribers using their SIM cards in Thuraya handsets. For travellers, that means a huge saving on their phone bills. More importantly, GSM users can also maintain their number while roaming in the vast Thuraya coverage area.