Through this partnership, Africell, one of Africa’s most dynamic GSM operators, will be providing Thuraya’s data and voice services in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, which complements existing terrestrial operators such as Africell ensuring that consumers out of GSM reach can access reliable and cost-effective satellite communications. Thuraya allows access for people on the move to enjoy the ubiquitous coverage of the Company’s robust network by simply inserting their GSM SIM cards into any Thuraya handheld.
”Africa offers significant business opportunities due to its size, geographical composition, population and economical potential. The new partnership with Africell is part of our strategy to enhance our distribution network and reach out to our vertical industry consumers wherever they choose to operate. We aim to empower people and businesses in Africa through modern, cutting-edge and reliable value satellite communications,” said Thuraya’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samer Halawi.
Thuraya offers the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution to support 384 Kbps streaming Thuraya IP and the only satellite handheld to offer full walk-and-talk capability Thuraya XT. This is in addition to maritime, tracking, capacity leasing, and other specialised space-based solutions. Africell Holding operates three GSM operations; Africell Gambia, Africell Sierra Leone, and Africell RDC. The Gambia and Sierra Leone operations are leaders with around 60 percent market share in both markets; the DRC operation is set to be launched by Q2 2012.
Thuraya company information here.