GTNT will act as Thuraya’s sole service partner in Russia. Thuraya and GTNT will work to provide uninterrupted satellite communications services to federal, departmental and corporate users in Russia’s energy, petrochemical, construction, logistics, forestry, relief and media sectors.

   In addition to advanced satellite-based voice and data services, Thuraya also will offer satellite-roaming facilities to the Russian GSM market, allowing consumers to instantly roam on Thuraya’s network and make and receive calls by inserting their GSM SIM cards into a Thuraya handset.

   “With its countless energy, defense, media and maritime enterprises, Russia is an exciting prospect for Thuraya. Our superior satellite network provides seamless, border-to-border coverage within the country, and our impeccable and affordable services will enable people in the prominent Russian market to communicate instantly regardless of their location,” Thuraya CEO Samer Halawi said in a statement.