Thuraya Telecommunications now has their first service agreement in Vietnam, having just signed VNPT VinaPhone to supply their handsets to the company.
Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) will be driving their satellite services by extending VNPT VinaPhone's coverage to two-thirds of the world by using Thuraya's network and 100 percent coverage over Vietnam's territory, including their islands. With the satellite mobile and postpaid VinaPhone SIM, customers will be able to easily make voice calls, send SMS, use GPS and stay in touch with one another from any location int he country.
In the initial launch phase, VNPT will introduce Thuraya’s XT-Lite handsets and maritime communication solution SF2500 for Vietnamese consumers, government agencies and enterprise customers.
For government agencies, mobile satellite services are an effective solution to manage and monitor forest rangers and coast guards, allowing them to assist people on the borders and the islands. This is vitally important during natural disasters, when terrestrial networks cease to operate.
For businesses, VNPT will ensure continuous uninterrupted communications for enterprises and their crews in the mining, fishery, transport, construction and tourism industries. Individual customers will also benefit from satellite services, especially those who are constantly on the move or working in areas without cellular networks.
The Thuraya SF2500 is a voice satellite terminal that enables users to make voice calls through the Thuraya satellite network. SF2500 combines voice capabilities, crew calling, GPS tracking, geo-fencing and SMS services in a compact, cost-effective package designed for small- and medium-sized vessels.
John Huddle, the Senior Manager for Market Development, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, commented that this new agreement will give customers in Vietnam the mobile satellite services and maritime communication services they need, adding that the XT-Lite handsets and SF2500 are small and easy to use and are able to drive decrease communication costs by an average of 40 percent.