Thuraya Telecommunications Company has been named winner of the Innovation Award at the Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian Subcontinent 2013 Awards.
The mobile satellite services operator won the award for its Thuraya SatSleeve, the satellite adaptor that enables maritime and offshore users to stay connected from remote locations outside of terrestrial networks with their iPhone. The award judges recognised the SatSleeve’s ability to keep seafarers in touch with their loved ones as well as facilitating vital business communications for officers and crew when operating outside coverage of terrestrial networks.
In selecting Thuraya for the award, the judging panel noted: “The winner of this highly competitive award has created what has been described as the missing link in crew and business communications at sea. As such, this company has improved the quality of life for seafarers immeasurably, helping them keep in contact with their families, friends and colleagues from anywhere on the globe”.
Samer Halawi, CEO of Thuraya, says: “We are delighted to have won this award, which recognises Thuraya’s commitment to developing products and services that truly meet the needs of mobile users. Combining the innovation of Thuraya’s mobile satellite products with the intuitive interface of the iPhone, the SatSleeve provides an elegant and cost-effective way to keep in touch while at sea.”
Compatible with iPhone 4/4S and 5/5S, the Thuraya SatSleeve supports voice calls, SMS and basic data connectivity in satellite mode. Users can pre-programme an SOS number into the Thuraya SatSleeve to contact a nominated first responder – a feature that works even without the iPhone connected.
The SatSleeve can be used across the Thuraya network either with a Thuraya SIM card in 140 countries or with a standard GSM SIM card available from 356 worldwide GSM operators across more than 160 countries.
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