Thuraya releases video-streaming portable broadband terminal

Details: Michael Schwartz; Category: Satellite Networks; 18 August 2008; 7444 views

Thuraya's strategy of product innovation has led to a portable satellite terminal with advanced video-streaming capacity. The terminal is aimed at commercial enterprises such as oil terminals, coastguards, media and transport...

A new A-5 sized 444 kb/s broadband terminal with advanced video streaming capability is the latest product launched by satellite operator Thuraya. The new terminal is among the smallest in the satellite broadband category, and is considered by Thuraya to be "...efficient for its size in terms of speed offering and video streaming capability..." The ThurayaIP service is offered in various monthly fee packages with limited and unlimited usages, depending on customer differing needs. According to market commentators: "the compact size, high-speed unlimited access, video streaming capability and competitive pricing will make ThurayaIP one of the most attractive mobile satellite broadband offerings in the industry."

ThurayaIP is aimed at such key market segments as oil and gas, NGOs, government, coastguards, maritime, media (satellite news gathering -SNG- missions), transport and business continuity purposes. It has been developed by Hughes Network Systems with a built-in antenna which provides a rapid maximum reception speed of 444 kb/s and a maximum transmission speed of 202 kb/s. The terminal supports fine tuned video streaming that is of superior quality using dedicated channels at a speed of 384 kb/s, ensuring that users have access to clear video data.

Thuraya has already signed up specialised service providers in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe to promote and distribute the new product which is currently available at the distribution channels. "We have always realized that data would be the key driver of the telecommunications market growth. As such, we have built and evolved a strong product line for data offerings which are increasingly becoming among our core services at Thuraya," said CEO Yousuf Al Sayed.

* Thuraya provides mobile satellite services in more than 170 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The company launched its third satellite in January 2008, which has brought countries of the Asia-Pacific region under its footprint and extended its coverage to nearly two thirds of the globe's population. Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecommunications operators and reputed investment firms from the region.

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