Optus to Offer GSM-Satellite Mobile Phones

Australia's Optus says that it is set to deliver a larger choice of mobile handsets to people in rural areas by partnering with Satellite operator, Thuraya to offer two of ThurayaÃ's new mobile handsets - a Satellite Only and GSM/Satellite dual mode handset.

Paul Sheridan, Head of Optus Satellite said, "This partnership means that customers in regional areas will no longer need to carry around multiple or bulky handsets. With the GSM/Satellite dual mode handset customers will be able to use the same phone on both the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks.

Yousuf Al Sayed, CEO of Thuraya Telecommunications, said, "Optus is a valued partner and will act as a major Australian national service provider for ThurayaÃ's proven mobile handheld offerings. Our partnership will be expanding very soon to include other innovative solutions for broadband, marine, rural and other specialised applications. With an excellent track record in satellite delivery and mobile services, Optus was a natural choice in the Asia Pacific region."

Optus plans to offer the Thuraya Satellite Only and dual mode GSM/Satellite mobile handsets nationally through Optus MobileSat dealerships and Optus Business sales channels in August and continue roll out to Optus World stores and Optus Wholesale partners in late 2008.

Other services such as portable high speed data terminals and marine kits are planned to be offered in the future.

Posted to the site on 30th July 2008