Satellite communication system

Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company is a regional mobile satellite system that provides satellite telephone services to a region covering 110 countries. Thuraya offers satellite-based telephony through a dynamic mobile phone that combines satellite, GSM & GPS.

Corporate

Thuraya was founded in the UAE in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and international investment houses. The turnkey project was built by US satellite manufacturer Boeing Satellite Systems formerly Hughes.

The Thuraya-1 satellite was successfully launched on board a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket from the equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on 21st October 2000.The launch was a record success, as it was the first satellite initiated from the Middle East and also the satellite was the heaviest to be launched ever.

Designed for a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Thuraya’s satellite is in geo-synchronous orbit, positioned 36,000 kms above the earth, at 44 degrees east above the equator. The Thuraya system includes a spare ground satellite that may be launched at a later date as a back up and a third that could be used to expand system capacity. Thuraya has chosen Sea Launch as its satellite deployment vehicle.

The Primary Gateway in Sharjah, UAE, will serve the entire coverage area, and plans are underway to establish additional national gateways at other locations as necessary.

Thuraya’s high degree of flexibility and convenience will change the way people live and work; their day-to-day lifestyles and the manner in which they keep in touch with business associates and customers, families and friends.

From the beginning of 2001, Thuraya will offer cost-effective satellite-based mobile telephone services to nearly one third of the globe. Through its dynamic dual mode handsets and satellite payphones, Thuraya will enhance freedom of movement and connectivity.

Thuraya mode work

Thuraya offers GSM in its hand held phones enabling subscribers to use the Thuraya phone as a conventional GSM phone. They can even use the SIM-card of their regular GSM phone in the Thuraya phone.

Thuraya’s satellite phone enables users to access their local GSM service any time they are in those networks, yet automatically switch to satellite mode whenever they are out of reach (eg. indoors or in the overbuilt industrial districts).

Thuraya will offer a wide range of services including voice, data, facsimile, messaging and location determination. These services will be available through Thuraya’s handheld telephone sets. They will expand service options for subscribers already served through land-based operators, and open up new opportunities for those living outside.

Services

Voice — comparable to GSM quality.

Data — in 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 kbps
Facsmile — ITU-N G3, also in 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 kbps.
Messaging — SMS short messaging.
Location Determination — also known as Global Positioning System or GPS. Accuracy within 100m.
Additional Thuraya Phone Services:

• Emergency calls without SIM card (You will be connected to the nearest medical, police or fire points).
• Call cost function
• Last 10 calls of missed, received and dialed — with date and time stamps.
• PC interface for GPS downloads and location tracking (requires optional data cable).
• GPS location transmission.
• High Power Alerting (HPA).
• Calling line identity (CLI).
• Call forwarding.
• Call code.
• Conference call.
• Call Waiting (if You are using the phone, Call Waiting will alert You to a second caller. You need never miss an incoming call).
• Call Hold (use Call Hold to put the person You are talking to on hold so You can call another party, and then switch between the two calls).
• SMS (short messaging service).

GSM mode work

Thuraya offers GSM in its handheld phones enabling subscribers to use the Thuraya phone as a conventional GSM phone. They can even use the SIM-card of their regular GSM phone in the Thuraya phone.

Thuraya’s satellite phone enables users to access their local GSM service any time they are in those networks, yet automatically switch to satellite mode whenever they are out of reach.

The powerful satellite — GSM switching versatility ensures high quality voice connection with seamless service over a large coverage area. This reduces the likelihood of interruptions caused by incompatible or fragmented technical standards, a common problem currently facing subscribers in many countries.

Thuraya terminal will offer a wide range of GSM services including voice, data, facsimile, short messaging and location determination.
Services:

Voice — comparable to GSM quality
Data — in 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 kbps
Facsmile — ITU-N G3, also in 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 kbps

Standard GSM services of the Thuraya terminal include

• Calling line identity (CLI).
• Call forwarding.
• Call code.
• Conference call. LI>Call Waiting (if You are using the phone, Call Waiting will alert You to a second caller. You need never miss an incoming call).
• Call Hold (use Call Hold to put the person You are talking to on hold so You can call another party, and then switch between the two calls).
• SMS (short messaging service).
• Emergency calls without SIM card (You will be connected to the nearest medical, police or fire points).
• Call cost function.
• Last 10 calls of missed, received and dialed — with date and time stamps.
• PC interface for GPS downloads and location tracking (requires optional data service).
• GPS location transmission

For additional information please refer to www.thuraya.com.ua