THURAYA PHONE ANSWERS
Q.
1) What is the type of
THURAYA handset?
A:
THURAYA is a
satellite mobile phone with integrated GSM and GPS features.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.
2) Where can I use the THURAYA phone?
A: Within coverage area, you can use the
THURAYA phone to
call anywhere or receive a call from anywhere in the world. You
will also be able to use the phone on GSM mode in areas with
compatible GSM networks and with whom THURAYA has signed a
roaming agreement, regardless of your location.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.
3) In
which countries has THURAYA signed roaming
agreements with?
A: For
a list of countries, with which THURAYA has signed roaming
agreements,
please
view THURAYA Roaming partners
BACK TO TOP |
Q.
4) What are THURAYA’s services?
A:
THURAYA offers services like Short Messaging
Services (SMS), fax/data transfer up to 9600 bps, voicemail,
call waiting and call forwarding. Global Positioning System (GPS), or
location determination, also comes as a standard feature. In
addition, you will be able to make use of services such as
Caller Line Identity Presentation (CLIP), Call Hold, Call
Barring, Call Transfer, and Conference Calling.
BACK TO TOP |
5) How many colours do THURAYA handsets come in?
A:
THURAYA Hughes and Ascom phones come in dark blue shades.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.6) What is the cost of the handsets?
A: The
THURAYA phone cost depends on each country’s regulations,
customs duty, and taxes. In Pakistan please view
www.thuraya.com.pk/priceplans.html
BACK TO TOP |
|
Q.7) Does the THURAYA
handset operate indoors? How can the user receive calls?
A. THURAYA
services, like in any other GMPCS system, are intended for
outdoor usage. However the THURAYA system will enable users who
are indoors to receive an alerting signal. He or she can then
move outdoors to start the call. The THURAYA user terminal is
dual mode--GSM/Satellite THURAYA-- and the user also has the
option to use GSM while in a GSM network and indoors.
THURAYA's
SATEL- the Home/Office Docking Unit (HODU) product allows the
usage of the THURAYA phone in an indoor environment such as home
or office. SATEL
will complement the THURAYA phone by extending its operations
and functionalities inside buildings.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.8) Is
THURAYA phone waterproof?
A: The phone
is designed according to GSM specifications, which normally is
not waterproof.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.9)
How long should I charge the battery the first time?
A: To assure maximum performance, always read the User
Manual before attempting to use a THURAYA phone for the first
time. Optimally, a battery will achieve full performance after
two or three complete charge and discharge cycles.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.10)
Can I overcharge my battery?
A:
Although the charger stops charging automatically when the
battery is full, overcharging may shorten a battery’s llife.
Hence, never leave the battery connected to a charger for a very
long period.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.11)
How many phone book entries can I store in THURAYA
phone memory?
A:
Phonebook
entries
are usually stored on
the
SIM card. THURAYA lets you save up to the standard limit of book
entries that are allowed in a SIM card.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.12)What are the terms of the
warranty period?
A:
The
manufacturers provide a one-year warranty from the date of
purchase. To be eligible for warranty, you must present your
warranty card with the phone and the proof of purchase at your
nearest THURAYA
sales and services
centers.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.13)How much does THURAYA phone weigh?
A:
The THURAYA phone weighs approximately
220 grams.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.14)What is the
THURAYA code?
A: The
THURAYA code is + 88216 and each subscriber will have a unique
8-digit number.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.15)
From where can I obtain THURAYA’s products and
services?
A: You can obtain THURAYA products and services by
visiting THURAYA Business Centers or IMTCL authorized dealers in
your city.
IMTCL has sole rights for Sale & Distribution of THURAYA
products and services with in Pakistan. All services relating to
purchase and billing is offered by IMTCL through its THURAYA
Business Centers.
For detailed information about THURAYA, please e-mail us
info@thuraya.com.pk or send in your request by fax on
+92 (42) 5877923, or mail us at P.O. Box 3232 Lahore, Pakistan.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.16)
Begning of
THURAYA’s
services in Pakistan?
A:
In Pakistan
THURAYA's
commercial services began in January 2002.
BACK TO TOP |
TECHNOLOGY ANSWERS
Q.17)What is GMPCS?
A:
Global Mobile Personal
Communications via Satellite (GMPCS) is the industry in which all
Mobile Satellite system (MSS) operate. In the satellite
industry, GMPCS is the satellite equivalent of GSM (Global
System for Mobile), the widely adopted mobile telephone
standard.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.18) What are GEO satellites?
A: Situated some 35,767 km
(approximately 22,275 miles) above the equator, GEO
(geosynchronous/stationary). They are equipped with long life spans ranging from
12 to 15 years. Because it remains above the same point of
Earth’s surface. Only four satellites are required to achieve
global coverage.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.19)What makes
THURAYA’s GEO technology superior?
A:
THURAYA’s mobile system enjoys
many advantages that contribute to its success.
The inherent GEO characteristics mean that lower
system outlay and longer satellite lifespan combine to offer a
service with a longer service timeline. This means lower usage
cost for customers and longer partnership commitment to local
service providers.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.20) How does satellite technology work?
A: Each satellite is equipped
with transponders. The transponders receive signals from
handheld satellite phones, reprocess, amplify and send them back
to receiving earth stations (handheld phone or operation
center).
BACK TO TOP |
Q.21)Why do we need mobile satellite
telecommunications?
A:
Although telecommunications are becoming more widely available,
with the proliferation of landline networks and cellular
services, there will always be areas that cannot be connected
cost effectively using conventional means.
These are huge geographical areas with scattered
communities, or even entire regions that are challenged by
difficult terrain. Satellite
telecommunications will also be valuable in areas limited by
patchy services and incompatible networks.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.22)Why is there a requirement for a large L-band
antenna?
A: To enable the user to transmit low power using
THURAYA’s handheld terminal, the spacecraft will require high
sensitivity or high G/T to receive the signal. From the
transmission side of the spacecraft, the system also requires a
high gain antenna to provide high power, quality signals to the
individual handheld users.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.23)What is the excess power that
the satellite transmits during shadowing?
A: THURAYA system will provide a 10 dB fade margin to
handheld users for typical shadowing.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.24)What is the handset power in
the satellite mode?
A: THURAYA’s transmitted power of a maximum of 2 W, is
similar to the GSM 900. The power control in both systems is the
same. This means that the mobile terminal will not transmit the
maximum power when it is not needed.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.25)Why is the THURAYA terminal
antenna thickness larger than the normal GSM handset antenna?
A: The THURAYA user terminal operates on a dual frequency
of GSM 900 MHz and satellite at a 1.6/1.5 GHz range and
therefore requires additional hardware for such dual band
operations. The THURAYA handset uses a Quadrifilar helical
L-band antenna consisting of helices wound on a cylinder, which
give it a larger in size compared to normal GSM antennas.
BACK TO TOP |
|
Q.26)What are the main differences
between the Primary Gateway and the national gateways?
A: The primary gateway contains a gateway station, which
serves as the link between the fixed, and mobile public
terrestrial networks, both for originating and terminating
calls. The primary gateway is also equipped with:
The Satellite Operation Center
(SOC), which operates and maintains the satellite
The Advanced Operation Center (AOC),
which is responsible for the radio resource management of the
satellite traffic channels.
The Central Operation Support
System (OSS), which provides the functions for customer care,
billing and SIM card personalization for the entire network
(including the NGWs)
The National Gateway contains a
gateway station but not the SOC, AOC, and OSS. However, a local
Operation and maintenance Center could be provided.
Each GW (including PGW) is assigned to manage a subset of the
satellite resources and serve a specific region in the ground.
However, the primary gateway is designed to manage more subsets
and more regions than any national gateway.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.27)What is the effect of the
radiation of the Mobile Terminal to the human body?
A: The results of the Specific Absorption Rate test (SAR=
power absorbed per unit mass of tissue) shows that the power of
the handheld terminal with the antenna (in both the
extended/deployed and retracted/stowed positions) meet the
European and IEEE/ANSI standards--even for Satellite Mode (GEM)
on 9.6 kbps data mode.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.28)What is the modulation type?
A: THURAYA’s carrier modulation is QPSK.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.29)What is THURAYA’s blocking
rate?
A: The average blocking rate is less than 2%.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.30)What security features are
built into the THURAYA links?>
A: THURAYA uses encryption, which is equivalent in
robustness to the standard GSM encryption.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.31)What is the size of the
THURAYA spacecraft L-band
antenna?
A: 12.25m (40 ft) X 16m (52 ft).
BACK TO TOP
|
SATELLITE & GSM MODE ANSWERS
Q.32)How does
THURAYA dual mode feature work?
A: With your THURAYA phone and THURAYA SIM, you can make
calls via satellite from anywhere within the coverage area. You
also have the option of roaming from THURAYA into a local GSM
operator given that THURAYA has established a roaming agreement
with your local GSM operator.
With your THURAYA phone and GSM SIM, you will be automatically
accessing your local GSM operator’s network. Hence, your calls
will be billed on your normal GSM bill. You also have the option
to roam into THURAYA’s network to access satellite services
given that THURAYA has already established a roaming agreement
with your local GSM operator.
With a GSM phone and a THURAYA SIM, you will be roaming from
THURAYA into your local GSM operator network given that THURAYA
has already established a roaming agreement with your local GSM
operator. Nevertheless, it will be impossible to access THURAYA
services through your GSM phone because THURAYA phones have
special equipment that makes communication with the satellite
possible.
BACK TO TOP |
ROAMING
Q.33) Can you define Roaming in relation to THURAYA?
A: Roaming is a facility that
makes:
- THURAYA subscribers (with
THURAYA SIM cards) able to access other GSM networks in the
area using their own SIMs
- GSM subscribers (with GSM
SIM cards) able to access THURAYA satellite services
anywhere in the coverage area using their existing GSM SIM
cards and a THURAYA phone.
BACK TO TOP |
Q.34) What are
THURAYA’s roaming charges?
A: Roaming charges are very similar to the international roaming
call charges and to GSM industry standards. For details info please visit
www.thuraya.com.pk/iddcharge.html
BACK TO TOP
|
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) & SHORT MESSAGINGSAYTEM (SMS) ANSWERS
Q.35) How do I use GPS on the
THURAYA phone?
A: In the phone menu, you can access all GPS related features from the
“GPS manager” submenu.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.36) How can I give my location to someone?
A: After you determine your GPS location, you can send it via SMS to anyone.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.37) Can I use
THURAYA’s GPS feature if the THURAYA phone is in GSM mode (even when using an existing GSM SIM card)?
A: As long as you have a
THURAYA phone you will be able to access THURAYA’s GPS feature regardless of
the network you are registered on.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.38) Are there any additional charges for using the GPS feature?
A: No, GPS is a built-in and feature free of charge in
all THURAYA phones.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Q. 39) How do I set up my message preferences to be able to use
THURAYA’s SMS service center?
A: Please follow the procedure
below:
- Go
to menu.
- Choose
"Settings".
- Then
choose "SMS Parameter".
- Then choose "SMS Center".
- Enter
"+882161900000” as the SMS center number.
Since THURAYA considered a virtual country, always
use full country codes and numbers when sending SMS messages.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.40) In
what languages does THURAYA phone support SMS?
A:
THURAYA phone supports SMS in English, Italian, French, and
German.
BACK TO TOP
|
SOLUTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ANSWERS
Q.41) Does THURAYA have Prepaid scratch cards?
A:
THURAYA prepaid scratch
cards will be available at all service provider locations. These
cards can be used only if you have a THURAYA prepaid SIM card
and they work anywhere in THURAYA’s coverage area.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.42) How long is the validity of a prepaid scratch card?
A: The validity of a prepaid scratch card is three months from the day you
place your first call using the new scratch card.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.43)
Can I receive or make a call on a THURAYA phone while
driving?
A:
In most cases you will be
able to receive or make calls while driving. To get optimal reception
however, you will need to have direct line of sight with the THURAYA
satellite.
|
Q.44)
Any facility available for use in vehicle/cars?
A: The THURAYA Docker is available with all sales and
customers centers in Pakistan.
View details on THURAYA Docker
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.45) What is ‘SATEL’ or THURAYA Home/Office Docking Unit ?
A: The ‘SATEL’ allows satellite usage in an indoor environment such as
home or office. It complements the THURAYA phone by extending its operations
and functionalities inside buildings where the satellite signal is not
sufficient. Simply dock the THURAYA phone in ‘SATEL’ and you’re ready to
use it indoors. All the standard satellite-based services such as voice,
fax/data and the supplementary services will be available when the phone is
docked.
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.46) What is included in the THURAYA phone package?
A: THURAYA package comes with a phone, standard battery, SIM card, travel
charger, user manuals, and a warranty card
BACK TO TOP |
Q.47) What sort of accessories can I find for
THURAYA
phones?
A: THURAYA introduces a
whole new range of dynamic phone accessories to complement its
mobile satellite services. The following accessories will be
available through your local service providers:
SATEL
T-Docker
Car Charger
Ear set
Travel Charger
Software Package
Standard Battery Pack
BACK TO TOP
|
Q.48) How can I send a fax from a THURAYA phone?
A: You will need to connect your THURAYA phone to a
laptop/computer with a “Data Cable”(THURAYA Accessory) via a
serial port. The Data Cable can be used to send/receive data and
fax at the rates of 2.4, 4.8 & 9.6 kbps.
BACK TO TOP
|
