Tuesday, September 10, 2013

SMART Communications Selects Thuraya for Crew Calling Service that Keeps Filipino Seafarers in Touch

Marino PhonePal service will take advantage of a single satellite network and low per minute low tariff to connect mariners on thousands of vessels to friends and familyino Seafarers in Touch

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, September 9th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator, has been selected by SMART Communications of the Philippines for the launch of its new crew calling service, Marino PhonePal.

The multi-year deal will see SMART partner with Thuraya on network services and hardware for its maritime voice service, which connects thousands of Filipino seafarers to their loved ones.

Marino PhonePal is an expansion of SMART’s current crew calling service, from an existing Asia Pacific footprint now to include major sea lanes in Australia, New Zealand, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya, says Marino PhonePal customers will now benefit from a seamless and reliable connection at fixed prices.

“We are pleased to be working with an experienced telecommunications leader like SMART which has a strong connection to one of the world’s major maritime markets. Their background in maritime and Thuraya’s portfolio of high quality and reliable MSS products, flexible solutions and robust network coverage across Europe, the Middle East and Asia are extremely complementary.”

Through this partnership, SMART will offer low cost prepaid calls to seafarers while at sea using Thuraya’s SF2500 voice terminals.

Smart’s Chief Wireless Adviser, Orlando Vea said, “Ship owners and operators understand the value of making a robust crew calling service available to their seafarers. Thuraya offers a strong and reliable solution combined with attractive price plans that fit these requirements. We are excited to embark on this partnership which is beneficial to all parties and most importantly, will benefit seafarers around the world.”

About Thuraya Telecommunications Company

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors. Visit www.thuraya.com

About Smart Communications

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 57.3 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-June 2013. Visit http://www.smart.com.ph.

Contacts

Thuraya

Shereen Hanafi, Director of Communications

+ 971-4-4488-888

corporatecomms@thuraya.com

Follow Thuraya on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube



SMART COMMUNICATIONS

Tisha Quinitio, Marketing Manager

+63-9199100208

smartsatelliteservices@smart.com.ph