Ooredoo headquarters. Photo: Ooredoo.

[Via Satellite 10-19-2016] Ooredoo Maldives has reached an agreement with Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) provider Thuraya to supply resorts and fisheries with mobile satellite products and services across the archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The initial phase of the agreement will provision fisheries and anglers with voice products and broadband connectivity over Thuraya’s satellite network.

The Maldives government has issued a mandate requiring commercial fishing operators to fit their vessels with satellite communication equipment and to supply anglers with satellite phones. The goal of the mandate is to boost safety in the fishing industry. By equipping their fishing vessels with Thuraya’s products, operators will have access to monitoring systems and services that address multiple requirements, such as issues of distress and safety.

Ooredoo Maldives is selling Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot devices, along with data packages at retail outlets and through enterprise account teams. The Thuraya devices augment smartphones to function as satellite phones, enabling connectivity on the move, especially in remote areas where terrestrial networks have become unavailable or unreliable. The devices also come with a programmable SOS button that works even if the smartphone is not connected.

“Traditionally, fish[ing] is the main occupation and major source of livelihood in the Maldives. It is also the second largest industry in the country. Safety is an important driver in this sector, where there are many accidents. It is important to have crew-calling capabilities outside of radio range so fishermen can send alerts when in trouble,” said Ooredoo’s Hussain Niyaz.

The second phase of the agreement, which will come into effect later this year, will target the 105-plus resorts located in the different atolls constituting the Republic of Maldives. In a preemptive and precautionary mandate by the government, all resorts and touristic facilities are required to install satellite communication equipment as an added safety measure for tourists and visitors.