Thuraya Awards Hughes Multiple Contracts

GERMANTOWN, Md., Aug. 10, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications has awarded Hughes Network Systems, LLC multiple contracts worth nearly $60 million.

Under the contract, Hughes was tapped for the development and supply of a high-speed mobile data system, including a gateway and 2000 mobile/transportable terminals; the addition of a Secondary Gateway Ground Station and Advanced Operations Center to be installed at a new site in UAE; and the provision of 1500 additional mobile system voice circuits. The agreements build on a multi-year relationship between Hughes and Thuraya, which began in 1997.

Currently serving 250,000 customers with high-quality mobile voice and data services, Thuraya is one of the world's leading satellite operators, with coverage reaching more than two billion people across Europe, North and Central Africa as well as large parts of Southern Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. The new high-speed data system with accompanying satellite terminals will enable Thuraya to offer its customers broadband data services of up to 384 Kbps over an IP-based network.

Yousuf Al Sayed, CEO of Thuraya, said the new system and products will significantly enhance the company’s service propositions, bringing true broadband data and related value-added applications to its rapidly growing customer base.

In addition to the new high-speed data system, Hughes will supply a Secondary Gateway that will act as a redundant gateway, and also perform load sharing functions for the existing Primary Gateway located in the UAE.

Hughes will also supply Thuraya with 1500 additional mobile system voice circuits. These additional voice circuits will enable Thuraya to approximately double the 250,000-plus subscribers on its existing system, utilizing portable, cellphone-sized handsets that combine satellite, GSM cellular and GPS functionality.

Recent Stories:

ITU and Thuraya Forge Partnership for Portable Satellite Terminals

Sea Launch Awarded Launch Contract for the Thuraya-3 Satellite

Hughes Introduces Integrated LMDS/ATM Multiplexer for 3G Cellular

Hughes Applies for Listing on NASDAQ Global Market

Hughes Grants License to MTI to Manufacture IPoS Compliant Ku-band Satellite Terminals