Satellite, GSM, Africa, Middle East, Asia: Thuraya is embarking on a plan to make satellite phones more attractive to everyone...

The company is re-launching its mobile satellite services with new rates that are up to 70% cheaper than its current prices. Branded as “ThurayaECO” to reflect its economical appeal, the new prepaid service has been designed to offer handheld satellite phone users terrestrial-like price for a premium satellite service.

The new service provides uninterrupted coverage in urban centres, remote and rural areas under Thuraya’s footprint. It will make major savings for telecom customers in target markets. Under the new tariffs, a new SIM card costs only US$ 5.00 compared to the existing US$ 99.00 SIM card denomination.

Commenting on the new strategy, Thuraya’s CEO Mr. Yousuf Al Sayed said "As the leading regional mobile satellite operator covering an overwhelming majority of developing countries, we feel commitment and social responsibility towards enabling our communities and placing access to modern telecom services within their reach."

Thuraya, which has the world’s largest subscriber base for satellite handheld services, believes the new service will redefine satellite telecom offerings in its regional markets. “With ThurayaECO rate of US$ 0.20 per minute, a one-year valid SIM card that costs only US$ 5.00, and a vibrant full-featured 2nd generation mobile satellite phone that is identical to GSM in size and sleekness, Thuraya is galvanising demand on satellite phone service and transforming it from a niche product for the few, into an attractive down-to-earth option for most average people,” said Al Sayed.