Overview
The THURAYA system comprises a geostationary-orbiting satellite covering about 40% of the earth’s surface including the most populated regions: from Europe to the Indian sub-continent, from Central Asia to the Middle East and North and Central Africa.
The system combines GSM and satellite technology in a single standard-sized mobile telephone (141x52x30mm). Its functions also include a permanent link with the GPS satellite system enabling constant location determination in case of need. The “dual-mode” (GSM and Satellite) handset allows users to access the existing partner GSM networks in the covered areas.
THURAYA, in fact, enables GSM communication even in countries with no satellite cover. In Italy there is bilateral GSM roaming with the TIM,VODAFONE and WIND networks.