Smart Communications expands partnership with uraya to offer emergency preparedne solutions in the Philippines

Smart Communications expands partnership with Thuraya to offer emergency preparedness solutions in the Philippines Thuraya SatSleeve and XT satellite phones to provide vital emergency communication services and connectivity DUBAI, UAE, February 20, 2014 - Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator has been selected by Smart Communications to provide mobile satellite handsets and airtime services to its subscribers in the Philippines. The multi-year deal will see Smart partner with Thuraya on a combined voice services and handset offer branded as SmartSAT. This new agreement is an expansion of Smart's highly successful crew calling service, Phone Pal which was launched in September 2013.

The SmartSAT package includes either Thuraya's game-changing SatSleeve (iPhone or Android) or the rugged XT handset bundled with price plans to provide vital connectivity to first responders, relief workers and government agencies during disaster recovery operations. SmartSAT will also be available as part of an emergency preparedness kit for citizens. In addition to disaster response and recovery, SmartSAT provides vital communications backup via satellite for enterprise, government, leisure and media customers.

Smart's Chief Wireless Adviser, Orlando Vea said, The severity of Typhoon Haiyan demonstrated the importance of having mobile satellite services to support critical rescue and relief operations. We are appreciative of Thuraya's collaboration with us in the on-going disaster recovery effort. We chose to partner with them again to leverage their innovative mobile satellite handsets and affordable price packages to offer a strong and reliable solution that will aid emergency preparedness for Filipinos.

Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya, says, The Philippines has one of the highest rates of natural disasters in the world. We are working with Smart to ensure that its citizens, government and humanitarian agencies are well prepared in case of any emergency with reliable mobile satellite connectivity. Thuraya's satellite handsets will provide high-quality, easy-to-use services in areas lacking terrestrial coverage or where communication infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. The expansion of our agreement is a testament to the growing confidence that Smart has in Thuraya since the launch of PhonePal.

About Thuraya Telecommunications Company

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative 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. The company's 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. Visit www.thuraya.com

About Smart Communications

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines leading wireless services provider with 57.3 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-June 2013. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless offerings such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala, the Netphone, and Smart LTE. Smart also offers 3G and HSPA+ services, while its' Smart Satellite Services, provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart Broadband, with 1.8 million subscribers as of end-June 2013.

Smart is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippines leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit http://www.smart.com.ph.

For further information please contact:

Shereen Hanafi, Director of Communications

Thuraya

Tel: + 971-4-4488-888

Email: corporatecomms@thuraya.com

Tisha Quinitio, Marketing Manager

SMART Communications

Tel: +63 9199100208

Email: smartsatelliteservices@smart.com.ph

LINK:	http://www.thuraya.com/content/smart-communications-expands-partnershi...
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