[Satellite Today 07-28-09] Thuraya will launch a new rugged satellite handheld phone within a few weeks targeting military personnel, oil and gas workers, seafarers, and international media correspondents, sources told Satellite Today.
            According to Satellite Today’s sources, Thuraya sees this new handheld as a “first-of-its-kind” in terms of overall mobile satellite phone ruggedness. The phone will be highly resistant of dust, splash water and major impacts, the source said. It also will be resilient against sunlight reflection, making it sturdy enough to withstand the harsh circumstances of difficult terrain and maritime environment.
            The new phone will be bigger than Thuraya’s SO-2510, a small satellite phone introduced by Thuraya two years ago.