Thuraya introduces new rates, competitive to GSM to fuel interest in satellite service

Branded as "ThurayaECO" to reflect its economical appeal, the new prepaid service has been designed to offer handheld satellite phone users in those countries a competitive, terrestrial-like price for a premium satellite service that provides an uninterrupted, blanket coverage not only in urban centres but also in remote and rural areas under Thuraya's footprint.

The new service, which is available in the 81 countries, will make major savings for telecom customers in the target markets. Compared to Thuraya's mainstream prepaid service, prices of ThurayaECO will be almost 70% cheaper for calls from Thuraya to Thuraya users and up to 55% lower for national calls (calls from Thuraya to any phone number within the same country). And for the international direct dialling (IDD) calls, prices will be up to 50% cheaper than those available in national markets, depending on the various destinations.

"As the leading regional mobile satellite operator covering an overwhelming majority of developing countries, we feel commitment and social responsibility towards enabling our communities and making access to modern telecom services within their reach,"

says Thuraya's CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed.

Mr. Al Sayed reiterated that Thuraya, which has the world's largest subscriber base for satellite handheld services, is set to redefine satellite telecom offerings in its regional markets.

With ThurayaECO, Thuraya expects to significantly enhance the price perceptions of satellite telecom offerings which have prevailed in global and regional markets over the years.

According to an industry analyst, ThurayaECO prices are shockingly low for mobile satellite business and in most cases competes with GSM services in Europe even if you are not roaming. If compared to GSM roaming charges, GSM does not stand a chance. This should break open new markets.

The Company anticipates to see momentous adoption of its mobile satellite services following the introduction of very encouraging, and even more favourable, call tariffs compared to those offered by local GSM networks.

ThurayaECO prepaid service, which was officially started on 31st May 2007, is available in 81 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.