Thuraya Launches M2M Service and First Terminal to Operate in North America

          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 launch builds on the momentum of existing M2M solutions offered from Thuraya's network of device and application development partners and is part of the company's overall M2M strategy.

          Thuraya's strategy is founded on the fact that more than one solution is needed to address the requirements of all M2M applications in the future.  Based on the growth of M2M and the coming explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), Thuraya is developing solutions to address low data rate (LDR), medium data rate (MDR) and high data rate (HDR) requirements for a range of market segments.  The launch of this new service addresses the market requirements for the MDR tier of applications.

          Working in partnership with ViaSat, Thuraya is expanding the reach of its coverage area to include North America for the first time. The robust IP-based, secure two-way communications M2M network already enables real-time M2M and IoT application deployment beyond the confines of traditional cellular networks. The partnership with ViaSat extends that capability into this key new geographical market.

          Randy Roberts, Thuraya Chief Innovation Officer, 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."

          Mining and oil and gas customers need high security, low latency real time applications. Mining companies want reliable network connectivity for tracking assets and workers' safety; high cyber-security and network availability appeal to government customers, while Thuraya also offers the network resiliency and low total cost of ownership sought by utility companies.

          The Thuraya FT2225 (MDR) fixed terminal works on the Thuraya network and on ViaSat's mobile satellite services network, leveraging ViaSat's L-band high capacity satellite system.

          The new terminal offers remarkably efficient bandwidth usage, low-latency IP networking, and high security levels. It reduces total cost of ownership, supported by a market-leading 99.9% service level agreement.

          Thuraya's range of third-party certified LDR M2M solutions currently includes SMC's mobile asset tracking; Seven Technologies' remote link for fixed M2M applications; the Ibexis telemetry data logger; and Digital Barriers' seismic sensor mesh network.