UAE's Thuraya launches MDR terminal working on ViaSat network

Leading mobile satellite services operator Thuraya Telecommunications Company today launched a dedicated M2M service and terminal that is available across its extensive coverage area and for the first time over North America.

The new Thuraya FT2225 Medium Data Rate (MDR) fixed terminal works on ViaSat's mobile satellite services network, using ViaSat's L-band high capacity satellite system. It offers efficient bandwidth usage, low-latency IP networking and high levels of security, the UAE-based company said in a press release.

It is supported by a 99.9 percent service level agreement, and reduces total cost of ownership. The robust IP-based, secure two-way communications M2M network already enables immediate M2M and IoT application deployment beyond the confines of traditional mobile networks. The partnership with ViaSat extends that capability into the new geographical market.

Based on the growth of M2M and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Thuraya is developing products to address low data rate (LDR), MDR and high data rate (HDR) requirements for a range of market segments.

Thuraya already offers a range of third party certified M2M services within its LDR service, including the SMC mobile asset tracking, the Seven Technologies remote link for fixed M2M applications, the Ibexis telemetry data logger, and the Digital Barriers seismic sensor mesh network. The list will be expanded with the introduction of the FT2225 platform.

Randy Roberts, Thuraya Chief Innovation Officer, in a press release, said, "We are building a considerable M2M presence. As we develop Thuraya M2M further, we will be strongly positioned to benefit from exciting long term opportunities offered across the Internet of Things. With this new partnership with ViaSat, our network can reach places that are otherwise shut off, and now Thuraya reaches even more customers by expanding our coverage, for this service, over North America."

Phil Berry, vice president and general manager, Mobile Satellite Services, ViaSat commented, "Through our partnership with Thuraya, we are bringing robust network functionality coupled with advanced device capabilities to bring real-time IP satellite communications to a greater portion of the M2M market. Thuraya’s FT2225 M2M device running over the reliable ViaSat L-band service will serve a broader class of M2M markets from traditional enterprise to new sectors in the unserved and underserved space."

Thuraya says that, with the span of sectors it serves, it is well placed to target key growth areas. There is considerable demand in the mining and oil and gas sectors for high security, low latency real time applications.

Mining companies also need reliable network connectivity for tracking assets and ensuring workers’ safety. High cyber-security and network availability appeal strongly to the government and security sectors, while Thuraya will also offer the network resiliency and low total cost of ownership being sought by utility companies, the company said.

Source:WAM