New antenna introduced for use of Thuraya DSL by maritime sector

Configured to always be pointing towards the satellite regardless of ship's movement and position, the new antenna solution ensures an efficient, reliable broadband service under any weather circumstance.

The antenna will allow enhanced broadband capabilities onboard ships, most importantly enabling seafarers to upload and download data in a reliable, uninterrupted manner.

While Thuraya is already poised to launch an advanced Marine product that offers voice, fax and SMS in the coming weeks, an enhanced ThurayaDSL will ensure an augmented strong presence for Thuraya in the entire maritime communication market.

Launched in the market two weeks ago, the new antenna can be purchased as a stand-alone option, or as a fitted accessory to the ThurayaDSL terminal.

Manufactured by Spacecom, a Danish-based technology partner for Thuraya, the new antenna has a unique feature of being able to function in any adverse condition that may be encountered by any vessel in the sea.

Thuraya covers several seas and international waterways, including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean, Arabian Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, substantial parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and international waters in most of the Asia-Pacific, hence covering the main trade routes of the globe.

With an increasing number of ships depending on ThurayaDSL whilst at sea and in need of reliable, yet affordable, broadband service at all times, the new antenna is expected to make Thuraya's broadband proposition much more attractive.

"With our maritime coverage area being so vast, and with the global stress on rich content data transmission, the new and improved antenna will facilitate communication on board ships. Thuraya is always committed to improving its services to customers wherever they may be, and we are proud to provide this new service in the maritime sector permitting sustainable commercial activity at sea," said Thuraya's CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed.

The new product has come as a result of successful growing partnership with Spacecom, a specialised antenna manufacturer for marine applications.

The two companies signed an MoU in September 2007 to explore and develop business opportunities.