Thuraya Telecommunications Company and Ooredoo Maldives have an agreement to supply resorts and fisheries with mobile satellite products and services across the archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
The initial phase of the agreement will provision fisheries and anglers with voice products and broadband connectivity over Thuraya’s satellite network. The agreement addresses a mandate issued by the Maldives government, progressively requiring commercial fishing operators to fit their vessels with satellite communication equipment and to supply anglers with satellite phones. This is in line with the approach adopted by other fisheries management authorities throughout the world. By equipping their fishing vessels with Thuraya’s products, operators will have access to monitoring systems and services that address multiple requirements such as issues of distress and safety.
Starting from October 19, Ooredoo Maldives will sell Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot devices as well as data packages at their retail outlets and through their enterprise account teams. Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot are sleek adaptors that transform smartphones into satellite phones. They offer fast, simple connectivity on the move, especially in remote areas where terrestrial networks have become unavailable or unreliable. They allow the user to make calls, use messaging applications, send and receive email and SMS, and access apps. They also come with an additional safety feature—a programmable SOS button that works even if the smartphone isn’t connected.
The second phase of the agreement, which will come into effect later this year will target the 105 plus resorts located in the different atolls constituting the Republic of Maldives. In a pre-emptive and precautionary mandate by the government, all resorts and touristic facilities are required to install satellite communication equipment as an added safety measure for tourists and visitors.