To strengthen its distribution network in Africa, Thuraya, the mobile satellite operator has signed a service partner agreement with Africell Holding (a subsidiary of Lintel Holding). Through this partnership, Africell, will be providing Thurayas data and voice services in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, […]
To strengthen its distribution network in Africa, Thuraya, the mobile satellite operator has signed a service partner agreement with Africell Holding (a subsidiary of Lintel Holding). Through this partnership, Africell, will be providing Thurayas data and voice services in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, which complements existing terrestrial operators such as Africell ensuring that consumers out of GSM reach can access reliable and cost-effective satellite communications.
“Africa offers significant business opportunities due to its size, geographical composition, population and economical potential. The new partnership with Africell is part of our strategy to enhance our distribution network and reach out to our vertical industry consumers wherever they choose to operate. We aim to empower people and businesses in Africa through modern, cutting-edge and reliable value satellite communications,” said Thurayas CEO, Samer Halawi.
On this occasion, Ziad Dalloul, CEO of Lintel, said, “Offering Thuraya services will provide us with a competitive edge especially in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo which is the size of Western Europe where Thuraya services would allow our subscribers to stay in touch even in the most remote areas.”
Thuraya offers, what the company claims, is the worlds smallest satellite broadband solution to support 384 Kbps streaming “Thuraya IP” and the only satellite handheld to offer full walk-and-talk capability “Thuraya XT”. This is in addition to maritime, tracking, capacity leasing, and other specialised space-based solutions.
Africell Holding operates three GSM operations; Africell Gambia, Africell Sierra Leone, and Africell RDC. The Gambia and Sierra Leone operations are leaders with around 60% market share in both markets; the DRC operation is set to be launched by Q2 2012.
