Thuraya aligns with startup ELSE to expand satellite services with M2M and IoT communication

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a mobile satellite service operator and ELSE SA, a Swiss new space startup announced on Wednesday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) paving the way for a strategic alliance between the two organizations. The agreement will allow both companies to collaborate and benefit from each other’s capabilities on multiple fronts including technical, regulatory as well as sales and marketing.

From a commercial perspective, the agreement between Thuraya and ELSE extends their product and service portfolios considerably besides facilitating expedited access to the market.

Thuraya Telecommunications is a MSS operator and global telecommunication provider offering communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. Thuraya’s superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two thirds of the globe by satellite and across the whole planet through its unique GSM roaming capabilities.

Its diverse range of technologically superior and highly reliable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Thuraya remains committed to serving humanity through delivering the essential tools for optimal connectivity, never leaving anyone out of reach.

The ELSE team has supported more than ten European Space Agency (ESA) missions, seven nanosatellite missions and is building a network of low-earth-orbit (LEO) nanosatellites named Astrocast that will provide cost effective IoT and machine-to-machine services to global enterprises. This mission is also supported by ESA through their ARTES program.

The first satellites are scheduled for launch by 2018, as a demonstration mission, with a plan to have a total of 64 satellites in orbit by 2021. Once fully operational, the constellation will provide remote monitoring, geolocation services, predictive maintenance and intelligent data gathering. The full scope of markets that will benefit from these capabilities will include retail, agriculture, automotive, utilities, maritime; oil and gas among others.

“This agreement forms the foundation of an extensive framework and an exciting long term collaboration towards providing a progressive platform for our partners to offer services beyond basic satellite connectivity,” said Thuraya’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jassem Nasser. “FUTURA, our future plan encompasses three main pillars, one of which is “New Wave” services for M2M and IoT applications. Our alliance with ELSE serves as a building block for the development of this component of FUTURA and further reaffirms our commitment in building value through partnerships.”

“As an established company, Thuraya brings experience, skill and reputable legacy to the table,” said Fabien Jordan, co-founder and CEO of ELSE. “ELSE shall benefit greatly from their technology and distribution reach and we are very excited about the possibilities this alliance will create.”


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