Thuraya Launches Orion IP Maritime Broadband Terminal

Dubai, UAE, January 30, 2014 - Thuraya Telecommunications has launched its first dedicated maritime broadband terminal as it strengthens its focus on this growing segment. Thuraya Orion IP is a maritime-specific broadband terminal manufactured by Hughes Network Systems, one of the leading broadband satellite solutions companies.

Capable of data transfer at rates up to 444kbps,Thuraya Orion IP leverages the Company’s highly reliable and uncongested network, with Maritime Broadband pricing packages to provide the best value for connectivity available to users in the shipping sector.

Building on Thuraya’s well-established voice and narrowband maritime offerings, Thuraya Orion IP further increases the choice available to owners and operators looking to combine reliable hardware with cost-effective, flexible pricing plans.

Randy Roberts, Vice President of Innovation at Thuraya said, “At a time when the other players are either increasing prices or expecting their customers to upgra

de to unproven platforms, Thuraya’s commitment is to maritime users who want broadband communications at a competitive rate, with hardware they can rely on and without the threat of punitive price increases. Orion IP is the first important step in a 2014 maritime strategy that will increase choice and provide greater value for maritime users, no matter how big or small their operations are.”

The terminal is been designed for users who want simplicity in installation, flexible operations, and a platform that enables vessel operators to use their own value-added services as well as those from Thuraya.

The Thuraya Maritime Broadband pricing plan, launched in 2013, has proved popular with owners and operators thanks to its flexibility: post-paid plans enable users to choose from high volume, low usage or VSAT backup options.

Geoff Davison, Product Manager for Maritime at Thuraya said: “The maritime satellite market is definitely changing but L-band will continue to play an important role in maritime communications for many years to come. The launch of Orion IP illustrates that Thuraya and our partners understand what maritime users want from their communications solutions: choice, performance and value.”

The Thuraya satellite network provides high quality L-band coverage spanning Northern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and South Asia and Australia. Current estimates suggest that at least 30,000 merchant maritime vessels operate under its footprint, including thousands of vessels that previously could not justify the higher CAPEX and running costs of competitor offerings. 

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