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Thuraya Partners with SoftBank Mobile of Japan to offer mobile satellite services

Partnership deal encompasses joint product development and retail distribution of Thuraya's mobile satellite products and services across Japan
DUBAI, UAE, December 17, 2012 - Thuraya Telecommunications, a leading Mobile Satellite Services operator and Softbank Mobile, a telecommunications leader in Japan today announced they have signed an agreement with the goal of bringing mobile satellite communication services for Japanese business, enterprise, and consumer subscribers across Thuraya's satellite network. SoftBank Mobile has applied and successfully received approval from the Japanese regulator to provide Thuraya's satellite network services in Japan. Commencing as from February 2013, the Thuraya's handsets and airtime services will be sold to customers from Softbank Mobile's distribution channels. As part of the agreement, the two companies will collaborate together to design a new version of Thuraya's handset with special features. This new edition of the Thuraya handset will be available exclusively for sale from SoftBank Mobile.

Thuraya's services are available to SoftBank users venturing outside of terrestrial networks, or in areas where those networks are either unavailable or are vulnerable to natural disasters. Media, energy, government, and all other types of enterprises, as well as individual consumers will be able to avail themselves of Thuraya's services and a multitude of solutions to enable them to communicate from anywhere in Japan and the maritime areas surrounding it, and at any time.

"During the disruption caused to mobile network services when the Great East Japan Earthquake hit in 2011, satellite communication services played a significant role in restoring network transmission services and providing subscribers with preliminary communication services. By partnering with Thuraya, SoftBank Mobile aims to provide reliable and easily deployable emergency mobile telecommunication services during times of disaster recovery operations." said SoftBank Mobile's Executive Vice President, Director & CTO, Junichi Miyakawa. "With the partnership with a trusted satellite operator coupled with a superb mobile satellite products, SoftBank Mobile is well positioned to provide our subscribers with high-quality and reliable mobile voice communications across Thuraya's broad geographic footprint both on land and at sea."

"Like SoftBank Mobile, Thuraya is committed to providing reliable connectivity to serve humanity. This groundbreaking alliance between our companies represents an exciting milestone for SoftBank's subscribers who can now benefit from comprehensive coverage of our satellite network." explained Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer for Thuraya. "This Agreement is another example of Thuraya's flexibility and product innovation which has met the specific requirements of SoftBank and its customers. Thuraya is looking forward to bringing the best of mobile satellite devices and industry expertise in support of critical communication services in our partnership with SoftBank Mobile."

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About Thuraya Telecommunications Company
Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and NGO.

Thuraya's superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two thirds of the globe by satellite and across the whole planet through its unique GSM roaming capabilities. The company's diverse range of technologically superior and highly reliable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency.
Thuraya remains committed to serving humanity through delivering the essential tools for optimal connectivity, never leaving anyone out of reach. For more information visit www.thuraya.com

About SoftBank
SoftBank was established in 1981 by its current Chairman & CEO Masayoshi Son and has based its business growth on the Internet. It is currently engaged in various businesses in the information industry, including mobile communications, broadband services, fixed-line telecommunications, and portal services. In terms of consolidated results for fiscal 2011, net sales increased 6.6% year on year to ¥3.2 trillion, operating income increased 7.3% to ¥675.2 billion, and net income rose 65.4% to ¥313.7 billion. For more information visit: http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/en/

For more information contact:
Shereen Hanafi
Director of Communications
Thuraya
Tel: + 971-4-4488-888
Fax: +971-4-4488-899
Email: corporatecomms@thuraya.com
Website: www.thuraya.com

© Press Release 2012

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