Africell Brings Thuraya Satellite Services to Salone

What one would refer to as a major step in the development landscape was manifested at the Obar Beach Bar and Restaurant during a cocktail dinner to mark the launching of Thuraya Satellite Service in Sierra Leone.

 The two services include the Thuraya Single Mode satellite only handset and the dual mode GSM/Satellite handset.

 The XT-Dual and IP are packed with feature rich applications and capabilities including convenience with the world’s  smallest, lightest and compact satellite phone; network selection between Africell network and Thuraya  satellite networks; and feature rich applications including SMS, built in GPS and camera, as well as the ability to connect a Bluetooth device.

Addressing the gathering on Thursday, 22^nd March 2012, Africell’s Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, said Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, which complements existing terrestrial operators ensuring that consumers out of GSM reach can access reliable and cost-effective satellite communications.

Shadi informed his audience that in addition to voice telephony, Africell will also be providing Thuraya IP terminals for a secure and reliable connection to the internet.

 “Thuraya’s IP terminal is compact, portable and high user friendly to meet varying customer requirements,” says the CEO, adding that Africell will become Thuraya’s service partner in Sierra Leone and will thus be authorized to sell the products of Thuraya and serve as the official representative for Thuraya in Sierra Leone.

He promised that Africell subscribers and non-subscribers will access unlimited connectivity outside the terrestrial networks with the aid of Thuraya products and services.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company Area Manager, Rui Da Silva, said the company is the youngest commercial satellite L-band constellation in the world that has state of the art communication solutions in over 140 countries, providing and enhancing communications that serve two thirds of the globe.  “Thuraya in only ten years captured 65% of handheld voice services under our coverage area.  We are the trusted partners of Governments and companies in different vertical markets such a media, military non Governmental organisations, mining oil, gas and maritime,” Rui Da Silva disclosed.

He noted that, “We are here to show you our latest polycarbonate material makes the XT Dual (Satellite and GSM Phone).  The latest polycarbonate material makes, the XT Dual ruggedized, versatile and a world of different communication solutions on the tip of your hand, and our successful Thuraya IP, our high speed internet access in the smallest satellite IP terminal that allows you be online anytime anywhere.”

The event was chaired by Africell’s Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Joe Abass Bangura.

Thuraya IP is the world’s first mobile satellite service to support 384 kbps streaming IP, with connectivity of up to 444 kbps available on standard IP.  The Thuraya XT-Dual is a one Sim, one number and on one phone to travel the world.  It is a combination of a GSM and satellite phone that comes with splash water and dust protection and is shock proof.

 The event was chaired by Africell’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Joe Amara Bamngali.

For more information please call Africell on 1818.