Mobile satellite services will shortly be available across the Middle East via the Thuraya network. United Arab Emirates-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications has announced the launch of its Thuraya-1 satellite. The turnkey mobile satellite communications system was provided by Boeing Satellite Systems as part of a US$960 million contract. The system enables calls to be routed from handset to handset, as well as across a terrestrial network.
Israel
The Israeli Ministry of Communications set a maximum uniform call termination tariff for all cellular networks in Israel. The new regulations took effect on 2 October. The rate for incoming calls to cellular phones was set at US$0.13 through 2000 and drops to US$0.10 cents by January 2003. Partner Communications said the regulations could significantly reduce its call termination revenues over the long term. However, it added the regulations may reduce its competitors’-CellCom Israel and Pelephone Communications-competitive advantages by limiting their abilities to subsidize outgoing calls and reducing Partner’s expenses on interconnect tariffs for its calls terminating on competing networks in Israel. Partner said it is examining the legal validity of the regulations and their economic implications and may launch judicial challenge proceedings against the Ministry of Communications. The regulations aim to help a possible fourth cellular operator to better compete.
Saudi Arabia
Wireless services are now available throughout Saudi Arabia, according to Saudi Globalstar. The operator, a joint venture among Loral Space and telecom companies such as Vodafone Group, TE.SA.M (a France Telecom/Alcatel company) and Qualcomm, formally launched its commercial services in the country. Service is available via a network of authorized dealers and retailers.
United Arab Emirates
Etisalat, the United Arab Emirates telecom service provider, and Motorola said they completed the first live mobile data transfers in the Middle East. The transfers used General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology.
