Thuraya’s first service agreement in Vietnam was marked by a ceremony attended by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on Aug. 4, 2016. Photo: Thuraya.

[Via Satellite 08-11-2016] Thuraya Telecommunications has signed its first service agreement in Vietnam with VNPT VinaPhone making its land and maritime handsets available to the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT). This agreement will extend VNPT VinaPhone’s coverage to two thirds of the world by using Thuraya’s network, including full coverage over Vietnam’s territory counting its islands, according to Thuraya. With the satellite mobile and postpaid VinaPhone SIM, customers can make voice calls, send SMS, use GPS and stay in touch from any place in Vietnam. This overcomes terrestrial limitations caused by distance, infrastructure, weather or geography.

In its initial launch phase, VNPT will introduce Thuraya’s XT-Lite handsets and maritime communication solution SF2500 for Vietnamese consumers, government agencies and enterprise customers. For government agencies, mobile satellite services are an effective solution to manage and monitor forest rangers and coast guards, allowing them to assist people on the borders and the islands. This is vitally important during natural disasters, when terrestrial networks cease to operate. For businesses, VNPT will provide uninterrupted communications for enterprises and their crews in the mining, fishery, transport, construction and tourism industries. Individual customers will also benefit from satellite services, especially those who are constantly on the move or working in areas without cellular networks.