Thuraya, Ooredoo Maldives sign deal to provide fisheries

xDUBAI, 20th October, 2016 (WAM) -- Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a UAE based satellite services operator and Ooredoo Maldives yesterday announced an agreement to supply resorts and fisheries with mobile satellite products and services across the archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The initial phase of the agreement will provide fisheries and anglers with voice products and broadband connectivity over Thuraya’s satellite network. The agreement addresses a mandate issued by the Maldives government, progressively requiring commercial fishing operators to fit their vessels with satellite communication equipment and to supply anglers with satellite phones. With Thuraya products, operators will have access to monitoring systems and services that address multiple requirements such as issues of distress and safety. Ooredoo Maldives will now sell Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot devices as well as data packages at their retail outlets and through their enterprise account teams. They offer fast, simple connectivity, especially in remote areas where terrestrial networks have become unavailable or unreliable. Users can make calls, use messaging applications, send and receive email and SMS, and access apps. They also come with a programmable SOS button that works even if the smartphone isn’t connected. Bilal El Hamoui, Chief Commercial Officer at Thuraya, said, "Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, and more stringent safety measures are required. Up until now, the lack of accessibility and affordability have placed reliable satellite communications outside the reach of many fishermen." Hussain Niyaz, from Ooredoo, said, "Traditionally, fishery is the main occupation and major source of livelihood in the Maldives. It is also the second largest industry in the country. Safety is an important driver in this sector, where there are many accidents. It is important to have crew-calling capabilities outside of radio range so that fishermen can send alerts when in trouble." The next phase of the agreement, which will come into effect later this year, will target the 105 plus resorts located on different atolls constituting the Maldives. In a pre-emptive and precautionary mandate by the government, all resorts and tourist facilities are now required to install satellite communication equipment as an added safety measure for tourists and visitors. . – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/economics/1395301471762.html