The Big Interview - Thuraya Communications - Part 2

Continued from Part 1...
RFV: Regardless of what it can do, for many people, appearance can be just as important. Tell me about the Thuraya IP's design and its aesthetic appeal.
The Thuraya IP is the smallest, lightest and most portable satellite broadband terminal in the world that is capable of achieving streaming speeds of 384kbps. One of the things I constantly hear when meeting our end users is how much they appreciate its clean and simple design; security of our end users is extremely important to Thuraya and the design of the Thuraya IP helps provide anonymity, particularly in a conflict zone.
RFV: Various types of antennae are available for Thuraya IP. Are these adaptable enough to cover the various demands that may be made of the device?
Thuraya works with leading antenna manufacturers around the world to ensure that we can deliver on the needs of our end users. Our terminals are typically used in challenging environments and situations. This demands the antennas to be tough and be able to conform to appropriate Ingress Protection standards. We have cost effective and high quality antennas for maritime, vehicular, fixed as well as portable applications.
RFV: There has been a recent upgrade to the Thuraya IP, what will this mean for the end user?
In 2013 we are excited to be taking the Thuraya IP to the next level, with the launch of the Thuraya IP+. This new device is engineered to provide the highest streaming speeds for a terminal of its size, without the need for an external antenna. We’ve also been able to make the device lighter and more portable than before. All of this adds up to an exciting development for our end users.
RFV: Thuraya doesn't seem like an organisation that is happy resting on its laurels. What's in the pipeline for 2013?
Following the launch of the IP+, Thuraya will be launching a mobile satellite communication device that will be unveiled at SATELLITE 2013 show in Washington DC. The first in the world, this game-changing device takes satellite communications to the next level.
RFV: With such a variety of clients, it must be increasingly important to provide flexibility in your range.
We provide our customers with access to an ecosystem of products and services, each of which is complimentary to one another. We see ourselves as part of a wider value chain that allows broadcasters to use technology to report from the front line. We work with a range of partners, such as mobile broadcast solutions providers like QuickLink, to help enable our customers to expand the potential for live broadcasts.
RFV: You say "Thuraya represents an ideal and an achievement, where we have provided services from the stars to a large number of diverse nations here on planet earth. Waking up every day knowing how far we have gone in bringing people closer together is an unparalleled joy." How does this optimism translate within the workings of the company?
As a global mobile satellite operator, we never rest on our laurels and are constantly working with our partners to develop innovative solutions that meet the demands of our customers. We are proud of the fact that our technology and solutions have been used to break the news and provide people with access to more and better quality information. We at Thuraya are committed to serving humanity. We feel privileged that our industry in general – and our company in particular – plays such an important role in providing communications that help societies, save lives and provide people with the basic human right of open communications.
Read the interview via the online edition of Regional Film and Video, issue 198, here.