New connectivity solution empowers offshore firms

IEC Telecom Middle East managing director Nabil Ben Soussia.

A new era of digital connectivity in the UAE oil and gas has been realised. IEC Telecom Group, global provider of managed network communication solutions, with strategic partners Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) and its subsidiary Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company introduced solutions which allow offshore companies and its crew to use internet at rigs or vessels.
IEC Telecom Middle East managing director Nabil Ben Soussia said IEC Welfare allows companies to have access to a next-generation solution that enhances productivity and efficiency.
"IEC Telecom Group together with Yahsat is reequipping the UAE oil fields with antennas, which can be used for corporate purpose, by offshore staff and subcontractors working on a rig. Yahsat's coverage spans entire Middle East. The concept is that every company in oil field has to manage its communications - they have to fix antenna, they need engineers, set it up, dismantle everything and leave. With our solutions, you just need to carry a scratch card to share connection in an oil rig. There will be a login and password, you get connected and work. It is simplifying the logistics and enabling digital oilfields. This will help companies become more efficient and reduce operation costs. This is not only for oil rigs but vessels too. With this solution, staff can stay connected always," Soussia told Khaleej Times during the recently-concludedAdipec.
IEC Welfare solution combines a controlled as well as a secure corporate link into one solution. It is equipped with 24/7 customer support and budget control tools, delivering advanced online reporting on network usage while controlling the allocation of crew credits. The solution can provide the crew with high-quality, on-demand data access via scratch cards, which can be purchased individually in 1, 5, or 10 GB data bundles or provided by companies.
"We can customise a plan as per needs. We provide services through Yahsat at a stationary place and with Thuraya when the vessel is moving. We have worldwide coverage," Soussia said.
Yahsat's executive vice president for sales operations Boyd Chislett said highpoints of IEC Welfare Solution is resilience, speed and security.
"These facets underpin the ability of new tools and technologies to transform the oil and gas industry, and each is enabled by the high-performance connectivity of broadband satellite solution YahClick." 
Thuraya VSAT+
IEC Telecom and Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company launched Thuraya VSAT+ service. With advanced communications capabilities and extensive coverage, the service combines key maritime connectivity options to deliver a singular, powerful satellite communications solution allowing users to rely on one service for all their maritime communication needs.
Thuraya chief commercial officer Shawkat Ahmed said VSAT+ service is an important strategic milestone. "Thuraya VSAT+ offers an integrated platform that transforms marine connectivity by increasing offshore bandwidth capabilities and effectively caters to multiple applications including office-at-sea, crew welfare, cargo manifest and fleet operations."
 
Stay connected with world's first satellite smartphone
Be it a desert, sea or any remote area, your communication lines will never fail thanks to Thuraya X5-Touch - the world's first Android-based satellite smartphone.  
Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a subsidiary of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) will roll out the smartphone in December.
IEC Telecom Middle East managing director Nabil Ben Soussia said the made-in-South Korea satellite smartphone works with GSM and Thuraya sim cards. The 5.2-inch full-HD touchscreen display smartphone has a high-capacity battery and supports worldwide terrestrial coverage.
"Once you are offshore or in remote areas, where there is no coverage for etisalat or du, you may continue to enjoy Internet through Thuraya. You can stay connected with this phone even when you fly. You also have an SOS button. If you are in middle of nowhere, you can push the distress button and your GPS coordinates will be sent to family or pre-configured number," Soussia said.
"Also, you can fly with this phone and stay connected always. We will look for tie-up with defence forces and maritime. This can be used by people who go for outings, camping, hunting and leisure activities. You will always be connected and also use it in case of emergency."
Thuraya X5-Touch is priced around $1,200 and will be available in market next month.
IEC Telecom, Yahsat and Thuraya have joined hands to accelerate a new era of connectivity in the UAE.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com