ThurayaIP and ThurayaMarine launch in Greek maritime sector

The announcement enables Thuraya Telecommunications, which dominates the satellite mobile handset market, to expand its distribution to the home of the world's largest maritime fleet.

Under the agreement announced today, Advanced Communications Solutions is distributing ThurayaIP and ThurayaMarine within the Greek and Cypriot maritime sector, focusing on merchant shipping, private yachts, passenger ships, pleasure craft, military, police, government and offshore crew calling communities. Customers will access voice communications through ThurayaMarine, while data services will be provided through ThurayaIP.

Thuraya's world class satellite network covers large expanses of water from the Europe to Australia. The company's partnership with Advanced Communications enables it to access customers in Greece, home to almost forty percent of the world's shipping fleet, in addition to the world's largest shipping management center located in Cyprus.

ThurayaIP's versatile technology enables the delivery of proven and reliable broadband solutions to meet the specific data needs of maritime customers. Sleekly designed, with a compact A-5 size and transmission speed up to 444 Kbps, ThurayaIP also offers superior video streaming capability of up to 384 Kbps. Thuraya provides specialized maritime antennas for its ThurayaIP broadband solution, which makes high-speed data available on board ships.

ThurayaMarine is a specialized maritime solution designed for a range of sea vessels. It is a reliable, multi-purpose communication device that provides voice, data, fax and GmPRS services. ThurayaMarine can also be supplied with a customized stabilized antenna offering access to the Thuraya network regardless of the ships' movements.

"Greece has long been seen as home to the world's maritime sector, and represents a significant potential customer base for Thuraya's voice and data communications solutions," said Thuraya's Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Sven Rohte.

"Our partnership with Advanced Communication Solutions, which has deep connections with key players in the Greek and Cypriot maritime communities, enables us to deliver our advanced technology, hardware and services to a significant portion of seabound vessels and fleets. This is a critical strategic step forward for the company as we continue to gain a foothold in the maritime sector," Dr. Rohte added.

Dr. Rohte elaborated that, because of Thuraya's large coverage area, ThurayaIP and ThurayaMarine are reliable solutions that can be used at sea without any interruption of the signal.

Advanced Communications Solutions is a subsidiary communications company of an international shipping investment group involved in the maritime industry. The company has appointed United Satellite Systems EPE as its main agent.

"We are proud to have signed this formidable agreement, because Advanced Communication Solutions is certain that both ThurayaIP and ThurayaMarine will be attractive communication options for sea vessel owners. ThurayaMarine is the ideal voice solution onboard ships and ThurayaIP is the most convenient broadband solution that has the fastest streaming service in the market," commented Mr. James Jacoumis, Managing Director of United Satellite Systems EPE.