The name Thuraya originates from the Arabic name for the constellation of the Pleiades. This SatPhone company was launched in 1997 but started operating in about 2001. based in the UAE, it is regional network that’s designed to provide mobile coverage to more than 110 countries in Europe, the Middle East, North, Central and East Africa, Asia and Australia....
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![]() .... in all it provides mobile coverage to more than 110 countries. It has another string to its bow, as its satellite handsets are dual-mode. This means subscribers can roam on both GSM networks as well as talk through the satellite network. They’ve now sold well over 600,000 handsets |
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Granted This SatPhone company is a dual-mode handset
(satellite and GSM) provider, however they don’t work everywhere, but this has not
stopped their popularity at all, the reason for this is simply because of the airtime
rates, handset costs and size. It must be noted that Thuraya does not work in North America. When it comes to coverage in the most remote
locations it's well-built satellite network provides connection at all
times, ensuring congestion-free satellite communications to provide users with
sustained connection at all times. |
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To put it in another way think of your normal conventional everyday GSM mobile phone, but on steroids.
Technologically innovative satellite designs that ensure and confirms the reliability of each device and accessory, provides a truly superior satellite communication solution that’s far beyond the capabilities of terrestrial systems and mobile cellular networks.
![]() ![]() ....... which
means that not only will they remain connected when they are out of GSM
coverage, but also when Thuraya sat phone user is traveling where terrestrial
roaming charges are very expensive. ![]() The two satellite constellation orbits, notice how LEO (iridium) is so close to the earth and see how GEO is more than 36 times more further out in space |
GSM![]() It can provide dependable roaming services for
post-paid and prepaid customers to over 361 worldwide GSM networks. With
roaming agreements confirmed with over 161 countries, subscribers from
those GSM networks can also insert a GSM SIM into a Thuraya Satellite handset
to benefit from roaming services throughout Thuraya’s satellite network...... ![]() So in other words, Thuraya provides a dual mode
phone that’s not only a satellite phone but also has GSM capabilities. This is what really separates them from the rest of the satellite phone provider pack, and this is a very flexible capability indeed. |
Probably The best merge of a definitive source of total global mobility coverage and projects minimalist simplicity is the Thuraya SatSleeve, it’s the smartest, fastest and simplest way to transform your smartphone into a satellite smartphone, most definitely one of the best mobile innovations for SatPhone mobility, suffice to say that the SatSleeve is an industry first.
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The SatSleeve allow you to make phone calls, access to the internet including emails, instant messages and popular social media apps in satellite mode from anywhere in the world - well almost, across 161 countries across it’s coverage network.
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Monthly Service Plans |
Thuraya Monthly
Monthly Fee
Monthly Bundle
Out of Bundle
Initial Term
Calling Rates
Standard Plan
$29.95 per month
0 MB
$3.50 per MB
12 months
Calls to Thuraya $0.99/min
Seasonal Plan
$40 per month
5 MB
$3.50 per MB
2 month
Calls to Band 1$1.69/min
Internet Plan
$95 per month
20 MB
$3.50 per MB
2 month
SMS Messages $0.49 each
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Prepaid Service Plans |
Thuraya Prepaid SIMS
SIM Card
Validity
GmPRS
Calls to Thuraya
Calls to Band 1
SMS
Regular Plan
$79/SIM (includes $10)
12 months from 1st call
$3.50 per MB
$0.99 per minute
$1.49 per minute
$0.49 each
NOVA Plus Plan
$79/SIM (includes $20)
24 months from 1st call
$3.50 per MB
$0.85 per minute
$0.90 per minute
$0.35 each
Prepaid Vouchers
50-Unit $65
160-Unit $184
500-Unit $565
1000-Unit $1120
For starters and that's for now, the X5 Touch is offering unparalleled flexibility. Thuraya X5-Touch has a 5.2” full HD touchscreen for users who frequently move in and out of terrestrial coverage across a range of market sectors, including government missions, energy projects, enterprise communications, and NGO deployments.