Distribution channel for Thuraya handhelds extended in Egypt

According to the agreement, i2, which is based in Saudi Arabia and has distribution branches in several Arab, African and Asian markets, will sell and market Thuraya's phones through its large distribution network across Egypt. The partnership, which was signed between Thuraya's Egyptian national SP Alkan Telecom and i2, is expected to stimulate an increasing marketing and sales activity of Thuraya's MSS handhelds among key sectors in the country such as regional travelers, oil and gas, NGOs, tourism and transport.

i2 has already started displaying Thuraya's SO-2510 and SG-2520 satellite handhelds in 10 of its outlets, and that number, according to company officials, is planned to increase to 25 stores by early next year.

Thuraya, the leading provider of mobile satellite handhelds, has the world's 'smallest' (SO-2510) and 'smartest' (SG-2520) satellite telephones. The SO phone is the lightest phone in the market weighing 130 grams, and is ideal for users located in remote areas. The SG phone is fitted with superior features such as GPS and GmPRS. It is also GSM compatible so that users can conveniently roam between GSM networks and Thuraya's coverage area.

Alkan Telecom, a long-time commercial partner for Thuraya in Egyptian market, is a telecom solutions and service provider that sells most of Thuraya products among its portfolio.

"We are very pleased that Alkan has partnered with i2 as a main distributor of Thuraya handheld telephones, expanding our reach in Egypt. Our phones have been designed to meet the needs of vital segments, such as the oil and gas, government administrations, corporate and NGOs, frequent travelers, media and communities in remote areas,"

said Thuraya's Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Sven Rohte.

He also added that because i2 has a sophisticated and extensive distribution network, customers in Egypt will have easy and wide access to Thuraya's savvy handsets.

Thuraya handhelds will now be readily available in Egypt to a market that hosts several million mobile phone users and has large regions that are not covered by GSM networks.