A new agreement has been announced to further boost distribution of Thuraya’s sleek mobile satellite handhelds in the Egyptian market with i2, a telecom equipment retailer based in Saudi Arabia. i2, which also 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. 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.

i2 has already started displaying Thuraya’s SO-2510 and SG-2520 satellite handhelds in 10 of its outlets, which are planned to increase to 25 stores by early next year.

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.