IEC Telecom, Yahsat and Thuraya accelerate a new era of connectivity with three new solutions at ADIPEC 2018

Leading global provider of managed network communication solutions, IEC Telecom Group along with its long-standing strategic partners - Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) and its  subsidiary, Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company introduced their latest connectivity solutions at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC).

The expo attracts thousands of customers, partners, and senior experts from the sector, who gather to discuss how to reduce costs, ensure safe operations, achieve sustainable development, and boost the industry's transition to smart operations.

The global IT spending in the oil and gas industry according to market researcher Technavio will be worth $50 billion by 2020. This ability to facilitate improved crew communications, online access and seamless operational performance is driving demand for new solutions, accelerating a new era of connectivity.

“The developments in technologies including cloud, social media, and big data and analytics creates immense potential for the industry,” said Nabil Ben Soussia, Managing Director, IEC Telecom Middle East. “Connectivity can gather vital data across a wide range of applications, offering companies an unprecedented opportunity to improve operating efficiencies, remove communication barriers and reduce operation costs.”

Beyond improving efficiency, digitalisation could allow companies to better reach out to customers. A recent Accenture survey reported big data, analytics, IoT and mobile devices as the top emerging digital topics for oil and gas companies. Studies indicate that between now and 2025, digital transformation in the oil and gas industry could unlock approximately $1.6 trillion of value for the industry, its customers and wider society.

To meet these changing customer needs, IEC Telecom Group and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) introduced its IEC Welfare solution, which combines a controlled welfare as well as a secure corporate link into one solution. With 360-degree support for corporate applications, IEC Welfare is equipped with 24/7 customer support and smart budget control tools, delivering advanced online reporting on network usage while controlling the allocation of crew credits.

Apart from the corporate support, the IEC Welfare solution can also 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 as part of their social package. This allows for an easy and more affordable access to social networking, online browsing and messaging.

Commenting on the need for companies to implement the right balance between meeting corporate goals and maintaining crew welfare for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Ben Soussia added, “With the introduction of IEC Welfare, companies now have access to a next-generation solution that enhances productivity and improves welfare, while maintaining budgetary control at all times.”

“The strength of the IEC Welfare Solution owes much to its resilience, speed and security,” commented Boyd Chislett, Yahsat’s Executive Vice President for Sales Operations. “These three 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 our broadband satellite solution, YahClick.”

At the expo, IEC Telecom also joins forces with its strategic partner, Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company, to present the much-awaited 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. IEC Telecom boosts/bolsters this solution with a suite of value-added services for budget control, smart tools to manage bandwidth volume and set consumption limits as well as offers affordable crew welfare packages. Flexible tariff plans are ideal for projects of regional scale; quasi -global coverage allows to support international operations.

Shawkat Ahmed, Chief Commercial Officer at Thuraya said, “Thuraya continues its focus on the maritime sector, and the VSAT+ service marks an important strategic milestone in Thuraya’s plans; advancing its maritime strategy with the introduction of compelling cost optimization options. 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. It delivers Ku-band VSAT and Thuraya L-band services over major regional merchant shipping routes, offshore regions and coastal marine areas.”

In addition to Thuraya VSAT+, IEC Telecom and Thuraya presented Thuraya X5-Touch, the first Android-based satellite and GSM phone. The device sports a 5.2” full HD touchscreen display that works both with gloves as well as in wet conditions, operating in temperatures from -20C to +60C. With the Android platform there is already a multitude of Apps readily available to work on the Thuraya X5-Touch, and developers will have easy access to develop and customize Apps for the needs of their customers. It complements the “Bring Your Own Application” (BYOA) concept, customers have the flexibility to download any App of their choice, thereby breaking the paradigm and revolutionizing the way the satellite handset is used. The Thuraya X5-Touch is rugged, has a high capacity battery and enables dual mode capability where SAT and GSM can be on at the same time. Supporting worldwide terrestrial coverage, the device also comes equipped with walk and talk function for maximum flexibility. The phone integrates seamlessly with a wide range of wearables offering full user customization.