Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the type of the phone?
A: Thuraya is a satellite mobile phone with integrated GSM and GPS features.

Q2. Where can I use the Thuraya phone?
A: While you are in the coverage area, you can use the Thuraya phone to call anywhere or receive a call from anywhere in the world. You will also be able to use the phone on GSM mode in areas with compatible GSM networks and with whom Thuraya has signed a roaming agreement, regardless of your location.

Q3. In which countries has Thuraya signed roaming agreements with?
A: For a list of countries with which Thuraya has signed roaming agreements, please view Thuraya Roaming partners

Q4. What are Thuraya’s services?
A: Thuraya comes packed with services such as Short Messaging Services (SMS), fax/data transfer at 9600 bps, voicemail, and call waiting and forwarding. Global Positioning System (GPS), or location determination, also comes as a standard feature. In addition, you will be able to make use of services such as Caller Line Identity Presentation (CLIP), Call Hold, Call Barring, Call Transfer, and Conference Calling.

Q5. How many types of Thuraya phones are available in the market?
A: There are two types of Thuraya phones available in the market. SG-2520 and SO-2510. SO-2510 is world's smallest satellite mobile phone.

Q6. What is the cost of the handsets?
A: The Thuraya phone cost depends on each country’s regulations, customs, and taxes. For accurate information please check with your local distributor.

Q7. Does the Thuraya handset operate indoors? How can the user receive calls?
A. Thuraya services, like in any other GMPCS system, are intended for outdoor usage. However the Thuraya system will enable users who are indoors to receive an alerting signal. He or she can then move outdoors to start the call. The Thuraya user terminal is dual mode--GSM/Satellite Thuraya-- and the user also has the option to use GSM while in a GSM network and indoors.

Thuraya's SATEL- the Home/Office Docking Unit product allows the usage of the Thuraya phone in an indoor environment such as home or office. SATEL will complement the Thuraya phone by extending its operations and functionalities inside buildings.

Q8. Is Thuraya phone waterproof?
A: The phone is designed according to GSM specifications, which normally is not waterproof.

Q9. How long should I charge the battery the first time?
A: To assure maximum performance, always read the User Manual before attempting to use a THURAYA phone for the first time. Optimally, a battery will achieve full performance after two or three complete charge and discharge cycles.

Q10. Can I overcharge my battery?
A: Although the charger stops charging automatically when the battery is full, overcharging may shorten a battery’s life. Hence, never leave the battery connected to a charger for a very long period.

Q11.How many phone book entries can I store in Thuraya phone memory?
A: Phonebook entries are usually stored on the SIM card. Thuraya lets you save up to the standard limit of book entries that are allowed in a SIM card.

Q12. What are the terms of the warranty period?
A: The manufacturers provide a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. To be eligible for warranty, you must present your warranty card with the phone and the proof of purchase at your nearest Thuraya maintenance centre.

Q13. How much does Thuraya phone weighs?
A: Two Thuraya phones SG-2520 and SO-2510 weigh approximately 170  and 130grams respectively.

Q14. What is the Thuraya code?
A: The Thuraya code is +88216 and each subscriber will have a unique 8 digit number.

Q15. Where can I get more information about Thuraya’s products and services?
A: The easiest way to know more about Thuraya is through your local Service Provider. You may also visit Thuraya’s website http://www.thuraya.com/ for detailed information about Thuraya. If you have a specific enquiry or requirement, please contact info@thuraya.com or send in your request to fax +9712 6417884, or P.O. Box 33344 Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Q16. When did Thuraya’s services begin?
A. Thuraya's commercial services have begun in a gradual roll out, starting from April 2001 in several countries in Thuraya's coverage area.

Subscription and Call Charges

Q1. How do I subscribe to the Thuraya network?
A: Thuraya offers its products and services through local service providers in each market. The local service provider will handle applications, activations and billing. For detailed Thuraya subscription procedures in your country, please contact your nearest Thuraya Service Provider.

Q2. What are the monthly subscription fees?
A: Thuraya subscription fees vary in some countries due to local regulations. For accurate and up to date information, please contact your local service provider.

Q3. Is there any deposit required for subscription?
A: It varies from one country to another depending on the local business procedures undertaken by the Service Provider. Nevertheless, the Thuraya prepaid SIM cards are available at all Service Provider locations without any special requirements or possible deposits.

Q4. If someone tries to call me on my Thuraya phone while I'm overseas—what will I be charged?
A: Thuraya applies the calling party pays principle. In most cases, a Thuraya subscriber will not pay for any incoming satellite calls. The calling party, on the other hand, will be charged according to the local telecom provider rates.

Q5. If I’m a Thuraya subscriber, where will I pay my bill?
A: If you have a Thuraya SIM/number, the subscription and call charges will be paid to your local service provider in your local currency. If you have a prepaid SIM, however, then there will be a one-time subscription and activation fee. To keep using it, all you need to do is buy scratch cards to top up your balance.

Q6. If I am using a GSM card in my Thuraya phone, can I make satellite calls? Which number would people reach me at?
A: When a subscriber is using a GSM SIM in a Thuraya phone, the phone acts like a normal GSM phone with your same GSM number. If your GSM operator has a roaming agreement with Thuraya, you will be able to roam into Thuraya and make satellite calls. In this case, you will receive your regular GSM monthly bill with roaming charges stating usage in Thuraya territory.

Q7. Are there any subscription charges for using my GSM SIM card on a Thuraya phone?
A: Thuraya charges you monthly for your Thuraya SIM card only. If you use the service with your GSM SIM card no subscription charges are applied.

Q8. If I want to buy a Thuraya phone in the UAE, where do I go?
A: Thuraya products and services are provided through Etisalat main branches all over the UAE. For sales related inquiries, you can call the Thuraya toll free number at 8006633.

Technology

Q1. Why is there a requirement for a large L-band antenna?
A: To enable the user to transmit low power using Thuraya’s handheld terminal, the spacecraft will require high sensitivity or high G/T to receive the signal. From the transmission side of the spacecraft, the system also requires a high gain antenna to provide high power, quality signals to the individual handheld users.

Q2. What is the excess power that the satellite transmits during shadowing?
A: Thuraya system will provide a 10 dB fade margin to handheld users for typical shadowing.

Q3. What is the handset power in the satellite mode?
A: Thuraya’s transmitted power of a maximum of 2 W, is similar to the GSM 900. The power control in both systems is the same. This means that the mobile terminal will not transmit the maximum power when it is not needed.

Q4. Why is the Thuraya terminal antenna thickness larger than the normal GSM handset antenna?
A: The Thuraya user terminal operates on a dual frequency of GSM 900 MHz and satellite at a 1.6/1.5 GHz range and therefore requires additional hardware for such dual band operations. The Thuraya handset uses a Quadrifilar helical L-band antenna consisting of helices wound on a cylinder, which give it a larger in size compared to normal GSM antennas.

Q5. What are the main differences between the Primary Gateway and the national gateways?
A: The primary gateway contains a gateway station which serves as the link between the fixed and mobile public terrestrial networks, both for originating and terminating calls. The primary gateway is also equipped with:

The Satellite Operation Center (SOC) which operates and maintains the satellite

The Advanced Operation Center (AOC), which is responsible for the radio resource management of the satellite traffic channels.

The Central Operation Support System (OSS) which provides the functions for customer care, billing and SIM card personalization for the entire network (including the NGWs)

The National Gateway contains a gateway station but not the SOC, AOC, and OSS. However, a local Operation and maintenance Center could be provided.
Each GW (including PGW) is assigned to manage a subset of the satellite resources and serve a specific region in the ground. However, the primary gateway is designed to manage more subsets and more regions than any national gateway.

Q6. What is the effect of the radiation of the Mobile Terminal to the human body?
A: The results of the Specific Absorption Rate test (SAR= power absorbed per unit mass of tissue) shows that the power of the handheld terminal with the antenna (in both the extended/deployed and retracted/stowed positions) meet the European and IEEE/ANSI standards--even for Satellite Mode (GEM) on 9.6 kbps data mode.

Q7. What is the modulation type?
A: Thuraya’s carrier modulation is QPSK

Q8. What is Thuraya’s blocking rate?
A: The average blocking rate is less than 2%

Q9. What security features are built into the Thuraya links?
A:. Thuraya uses encryption which is equivalent in robustness to the standard GSM encryption.

Q10. What is the size of the Thuraya spacecraft L-band antenna?
A: 12.25m (40 ft) X 16m (52 ft)