Three service providers join Thuraya's distribution network in Asia Pacific region

These partnerships, which further widens Thuraya's distribution platform, are aimed at promoting and selling the diverse portfolio of Thuraya communication products in the region.

Thuraya, the world leading mobile satellite operator, recently provided coverage to the Asia Pacific market. Its services include cost-effective mobile handheld telephony, rural telephony, broadband, maritime and fleet management solutions.

The presence of three main distributors to the already existing list of Asia Pacific service providers means that customers will have easy and rapid access to the wide array of Thuraya services.

The first agreement was for the appointment of Hong Kong Satellite Communication International Ltd (HKSCI) as an international service provider (ISP).

HKSCI has a long tradition of specialising in satellite terminals and will be responsible for the distribution of Thuraya handheld telephony and ThurayaDSL. The signing of this agreement will ensure easier access to Thuraya's voice and broadband services.

The second agreement was for the appointment of a national service provider, and was signed with Japan Digital Communications, a leading satellite solution provider in Japan. They are focusing on marketing Thuraya's SO-2510, which is also known as the world's smallest satellite phone. In addition, Japan Digital Communications will be promoting Thuraya's SG-2520, the world's smartest satellite handheld phone. Users of the SG-2520 can use both GSM and satellite networks allowing ubiquitous coverage at all times.

The presence of two advanced handheld telephones with sophisticated features and an appealing size will be an added benefit to customers seeking reliable, user-friendly mobile satellite services technology in Japan.

The third agreement was signed with AA Techneq (M) Sdn. Bhd., a company headed by veterans in the Malaysian mobile satellite services market. They will be a national service provider marketing the full range of Thuraya products except for the maritime solution. AA Techneq is well entrenched in the various vertical market segments that require mobile satellite solutions in Malaysia. AA Techneq is confident that the Malaysian market will be able to appreciate the quality and the advanced features of the Thuraya products.

"We are proud to have partnered with the top satellite services providers in the region and as a result entering the Asia Pacific market with such momentum and speed. Asia Pacific has multiple purposes for satellite communications such as for the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, maritime sectors and emergency relief during natural disasters,"

said Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed.

He also added that he was confident that Thuraya will contribute to the further flourishing of business and industries in need of communications beyond terrestrial networks.

The signing of these agreements will be a great added value for rolling out Thuraya's products in the Asia Pacific region.