[SatNews] TrustComm Inc. has  announced the firm has begun its international expansion with the construction of a gateway in Cyprus.
 
Initially, the private ground infrastructure will enable TrustComm to offer an enhanced version of its new Starlight mobile satellite services (MSS).  TrustComm’s Starlight, introduced in November 2013, is an end-to-end, U.S.-managed implementation of mobile satellite data and voice services delivered via the Thuraya Telecommunications Company (Thuraya) – a leading mobile satellite operator. The dedicated gateway is being built at Cyta’s Makarios Teleport in Cyprus, a site that has been offering reliable solutions for satellite services for more than 30 years.  The new gateway’s data switching equipment is provided by Hughes Network Systems LLC.  The gateway’s Earth station systems are provided by Integral Systems Europe Ltd., a subsidiary of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS).  The satellite space segment is provided by Thuraya.
 
The new gateway will enable TrustComm to offer Starlight data services that are fully functional and independent from Thuraya’s current packet gateway in Sharjah, UAE.  With the advent of the new gateway, Starlight subscriber-authentication information will be managed and maintained in the United States. This architecture is ideal for commercial and government users requiring assured satellite communications.  With Starlight, a U.S. company (TrustComm) controls the full service lifecycle, while leveraging Thuraya’s satellite network and terminal equipment.  The TrustComm-managed Starlight gateway will support all standard Thuraya mobile satellite products and services.
 
Cyprus is the optimal site for this new regional satellite gateway.  This convenient European location provides visibility to both the Thuraya-2 and Thuraya-3 satellites.  It is strategically located to serve Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.  The new gateway will be integrated with TrustComm’s Secure Network Operations Centers (S-NOCs) in Houston, Texas, and Stafford, Virginia.  It also will provide the necessary interface with other Thuraya gateways and public terrestrial networks.

The TrustComm infosite is located at http://www.trustcomm.com/#

CytaGlobal may be accessed via http://www.cytaglobal.com/

Hughes Network System's infosite: http://www.hughes.com/

Integral Systems Europe Ltd. is available at http://www.integ.uk.com/