IEC Telecom and two of its long-standing strategic partners, UAE’s Yahsat and its subsidiary Thuraya, are offering new products, services, and connectivity services at the 2018 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC).
“The developments in technologies including cloud, social media, and big data and analytics creates immense potential for the industry,” said Nabil Ben Soussia, Managing Director, IEC Telecom Middle East. “Connectivity can gather vital data across a wide range of applications, offering companies an unprecedented opportunity to improve operating efficiencies, remove communication barriers and reduce operating costs.”
To meet changing customer needs, IEC Telecom and Yahsat introduced the IEC Welfare solution, which combines a controlled welfare as well as a secure corporate link into one solution. With 360-degree support for corporate applications, IEC Welfare is equipped with 24X7 customer support and smart budget control tools, delivering advanced online reporting on network usage while controlling the allocation of crew credits.
In addition to corporate support, the IEC Welfare solution can also provide high-quality, on-demand data access via scratch cards, which can be purchased individually in 1, 5, or 10 GB data bundles or provided by companies as part of their social package. This allows for easy, affordable access to social networking, online browsing and messaging.
“With the introduction of IEC Welfare, companies now have access to a next-generation solution that enhances productivity and improves welfare, while maintaining budgetary control at all times,” Ben Soussia said.
“The strength of the IEC Welfare Solution owes much to its resilience, speed and security,” commented Boyd Chislett, Yahsat’s Executive Vice President for Sales Operations. “These three facets underpin the ability of new tools and technologies to transform the oil and gas industry, and each is enabled by the high-performance connectivity of our broadband satellite solution, YahClick.”
IEC Telecom and Thuraya presented the Thuraya VSAT+ service at the event. This service offers advanced communications capabilities and extensive coverage, combining key maritime connectivity options to deliver a singular, powerful satellite communications solution, enabling users to rely on one service for all their maritime communication needs. IEC Telecom bolsters this solution with a suite of value-added services for budget control, smart tools to manage bandwidth volume and set consumption limits as well as offer affordable crew welfare packages.
“Thuraya continues its focus on the maritime sector, and the VSAT+ service marks an important strategic milestone in Thuraya’s plans; advancing its maritime strategy with the introduction of compelling cost optimisation options,” said Shawkat Ahmed, Thuraya’s Chief Commercial Officer. “ Thuraya VSAT+ offers an integrated platform that transforms marine connectivity by increasing offshore bandwidth capabilities and effectively caters to multiple applications including office-at-sea, crew welfare, cargo manifest and fleet operations. It delivers Ku-band VSAT and Thuraya L-band services over major regional merchant shipping routes, offshore regions and coastal marine areas.”
In addition, IEC Telecom and Thuraya also presented Thuraya X5-Touch, the first Android-based satellite and GSM phone. The device offers a 5.2″ full HD touchscreen display that works both with gloves as well as in wet conditions, operating in temperatures from -20C to +60C. It complements the “Bring Your Own Application”, BYOA, concept, customers have the flexibility to download any app of their choice, thereby breaking the paradigm and revolutionising the way the satellite handset is used. The Thuraya X5-Touch is rugged, has a high capacity battery and enables dual mode capability where SAT and GSM can be on at the same time. Supporting worldwide terrestrial coverage, the device also comes equipped with a walk-and-talk function for maximum flexibility. The phone integrates seamlessly with a wide range of wearables offering full user customization.
