Vizada has begun distributing a new Thuraya satellite communications service that will provide Internet access, Vizada announced July 25.

Thuraya GmPRS (Geo mobile Packet Radio Service) enables customers to browse the Web, use e-mail, share files and set up a virtual private network using Thuraya SO-2510 and SG-2520 handsets.

Customers pay only for the data sent and received, Vizada said.

The service, available in 110 countries, has been developed for professionals with limited access to traditional telecoms services, including journalists, oil and gas sector employees, mining teams, and non-governmental organization personnel.