Samer Halawi News

Thuraya Telecommunications Company today launched the industry's most advanced satellite phone, the Thuraya XT-PRO. Targeted at professional users across a range of market sectors including government, energy, media and NGOs, the Thuraya XT-PRO is the only satellite phone to feature built-in GPS, BeiDou and Glonass for highest accuracy and added security in every region. The Thuraya XT-PRO has a talk-time of up to 9 hours, which is the longest on any satellite phone. It is jet-water, dust and shock resistant, ensuring it withstands the harshest environments. Its hardened Gorilla® glass display is the largest available on a satellite phone; and the screen is designed for glare resistance, which allows for optimal visibility in bright sunlight.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company unveiled today at CommunicAsia 2012 in Singapore its SF2500 maritime satellite voice terminal, developed jointly with partner Addvalue Communications Pte Ltd. Thuraya is using its existing success in providing satellite communications to more than 140 countries around the globe to diversify into selected vertical sectors. SF2500 is the latest offering available to end-users under the recently created Thuraya MarineComms brand, which was launched to provide dedicated support for the marine market and enables Thuraya’s community of distributors and channel partners to provide training and support for marine end-users.

Abu Dhabi – Thuraya has launched a dual mode hand-held phone featuring both GSM and satellite capabilities. The introduction of this phone, branded XT-DUAL, makes Thuraya the only satellite operator to offer seamless communications, as the phone provides consumers the flexibility and freedom to switch between GSM and satellite modes wherever they may be located. The XT-DUAL operates as a standard GSM phone within the reach of terrestrial networks; and, when out of terrestrial network reach, operates as a satellite phone supported by Thuraya’s powerful network.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the leading international mobile satellite services (MSS) operator has announced the appointment of Patrick Chenel as Chief Financial Officer. In addition to leading Thuraya’s financial management, planning and reporting functions, he will also be responsible for maintaining and developing the Company’s relationships with the relevant financial institutions and strategic suppliers across the globe. Prior to joining Thuraya, Patrick was the Chief Financial Officer for the real estate arm of the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatari Diar.

Thuraya announced the launch of the new Seagull 5000i solution in partnership with Addvalue Communications Pte Ltd., as part of its maritime communications portfolio. The specialised marine terminal is designed for small vessels or fishing boats and provides voice, data, SMS and fax services that are based exclusively over Thuraya’s satellite network. The innovative Seagull 5000i is a maritime satellite communication device that meets the needs of customers that require a high-quality, cost-effective satellite communications solution.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a mobile satellite communications company, appointed Samer Halawi as Chief Executive Officer. Halawi assumed the office on January 23, 2011 following the return of Yousuf Al Sayed to the Etisalat Group. Halawi has held several leadership positions in major regional and international telecom firms. Most importantly, he brings with him several years of experience in managing satellite telecom businesses and major customers across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.