Thuraya's partnership enables Atlantique Telecom to extend GSM coverage in West Africa

This pioneering concept of 'service extension' whereby GSM operators extend their coverage area through MSS technology is utilised for the first time by Atlantique Telecom, though it has always been offered and promoted by Thuraya.

The deal signed lately with Atlantique Telecom also involved a purchase of 30,000 Thuraya SG handheld units, of which the first shipment of 5000 units will be delivered in August 2007. The remaining quantity will be spread on a monthly basis until July 2008.

A major telecom player in Africa, Atlantique Telecom is 50% owned by Etisalat of the UAE. The seven countries served by Atlantique Telecom are Benin, Niger, Central Africa Republic, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire.

'Thanks to a well-engineered deal, thousands of Atlantique Telecom GSM users will simultaneously transfer to Thuraya system once they are out of terrestrial network reach and be able to enjoy handheld mobility in remote areas where they could not use their mobiles previously. And the good news for them is that calling charge will be the same as their normal GSM price without any premium or addition,' says Thuraya's CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed.

He added that this special price is offered to Atlantique Telecom as part of Thuraya's strategy to grow its partnerships with GSM networks and also to facilitate certain commercial commitments from their side.

On their part, Atlantique Telecom has already prepared a strong marketing campaign to promote this 'service extension' offer in their West African region. From their perspective, the service is designed to increase the network's competitiveness and customer satisfaction, while Thuraya benefits from bulk roaming, handset sales and market exposure.

According to Thuraya, similar deals are underway and expected to be achieved over the coming months, especially in large African countries where terrestrial GSM coverage is so limited.