Milestones

2009
Thuraya launches the world’s toughest satellite phone, the Thuraya XT, the only satellite handset complying with IP54/IK03 standards of durability.

Thuraya launches new corporate identity.

2008
Thuraya-3 satellite launches in January, further expanding the coverage footprint of Thuraya’s network across Asia and Australia.

Thuraya IP is introduced; the world’s fastest, most portable and toughest satellite broadband modem.

2007
Thuraya releases Thuraya SG-2520, the most advanced handset in the mobile satellite services industry, supporting dual-band satellite/GSM connectivity.

2006
Thuraya officially releases the Thuraya SO-2510, our second-generation, and the world’s smallest, satellite mobile handset.

Thuraya successfully achieves a high-speed Internet connection using our new Thuraya SO-2510.

2005
Thuraya launches our first high-speed satellite data service, Thuraya DSL. We also introduce our Crew Calling solution.

2004
Thuraya expands its coverage area southward within Africa, launches a new first-generation handset, the Hughes 7101, and introduces Thuraya Marine to the market.

2003
Thuraya's second satellite, Thuraya-2, is launched, further expanding our network coverage area. In the same year, our subscriber base surpasses 100,000.

2002
Thuraya significantly boosts its commercial reach, signing agreements with 40 new Service Providers, including France Telecom, Eurodis Enterprises LTD and Comtech Communication Technologies.

A launch date of January 2003 is set for the Thuraya-2 satellite, and Boeing Satellite Systems International (formerly Boeing and Hughes Electronics Space and Communications) is contracted to build a third satellite, Thuraya-3.
 
2001
The first-generation Thuraya handset, the Thuraya  Hughes 7100, is introduced.

Thuraya ramps up commercial operations, signing numerous Service Provider agreements in countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

2000
First Thuraya satellite, Thuraya-1, launches at sea from the Pacific Ocean.

1999
Thuraya successfully raises US$475 million through a consortium of banks.

1998
Thuraya and Boeing Satellite Systems International (formerly Boeing and Hughes Electronics Space and Communications) conduct the preliminary design review of the Thuraya mobile satellite system.

Thuraya begins appointing Service Providers, and commences construction of our Primary Gateway in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Etisalat is appointed as Thuraya’s first service provider, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

1997
Thuraya is officially founded in April 1997.

Total capital of US$500 million is raised when eight new shareholders join the company, as a turnkey contract is signed with Boeing Satellite Development Center to build and supply the Thuraya satellite and all related components.