US satellite broadband provider ViaSat is partnering with UAE-based MSS operator Thuraya to launch a combined Machine-to-Machine (M2M) platform.
The deal sees ViaSat break into the M2M market across Thuraya’s near-global footprint, while giving the…
US satellite broadband provider ViaSat is partnering with UAE-based MSS operator Thuraya to launch a combined Machine-to-Machine (M2M) platform.
The deal sees ViaSat break into the M2M market across Thuraya’s near-global footprint, while giving the latter access to next generation satellite terminals and ruggedised equipment.
The companies believe their combined products and commercial packages will better address emerging markets and new market segments, particularly in the oil and gas industry of the Middle East.
Randy Roberts, Thuraya’s vice president of innovation, said: “The partnership with ViaSat will enable us to broaden our M2M product portfolio, for both fixed and mobile applications, to better serve our enterprise users’ need for asset tracking and remote monitoring services.”
The Thuraya ViaSat M2M service is set to launch early next year.
Thuraya CEO Samer Halawi told SatelliteFinance in a recent interview that he was talking to potential partners about providing coverage in the US to become a “truly global” player. The operator currently covers two-thirds of the world with its two satellites while serving the rest – namely the Americas – through roaming agreements.
Its ViaSat partnership follows British MSS operator Inmarsat’s strategic alliance back in November to use satellite M2M specialist Orbcomm’s technology, creating a standardised platform to tap increasing demand for connected machines.
Inmarsat and Orbcomm are also collaborating on joint product development and distribution, and are exploring future satellite network expansion and integration.
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