STAFFORD, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TrustComm Inc., the premier small-business provider of assured satellite communications solutions to government and commercial organizations, today announced it has begun its international expansion with the construction of a gateway in Cyprus.
Initially, the private ground infrastructure will enable TrustComm to offer an enhanced version of its new Starlight mobile satellite services (MSS). TrustComm’s Starlight, introduced in November 2013, is an end-to-end, U.S.-managed implementation of mobile satellite data and voice services delivered via the Thuraya Telecommunications Company (Thuraya) – a leading mobile satellite operator.
The dedicated gateway is being built at Cyta’s Makarios Teleport in Cyprus, a site that has been offering reliable solutions for satellite services for more than 30 years. The new gateway’s data switching equipment is provided by Hughes Network Systems LLC. The gateway’s earth-station systems are provided by Integral Systems Europe Ltd., a subsidiary of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS). The satellite space segment is provided by Thuraya.
The new gateway will enable TrustComm to offer Starlight data services that are fully functional and independent from Thuraya’s current packet gateway in Sharjah, UAE. With the advent of the new gateway, Starlight subscriber-authentication information will be managed and maintained in the United States.
This architecture is ideal for commercial and government users requiring assured satellite communications. With Starlight, a U.S. company (TrustComm) controls the full service lifecycle, while leveraging Thuraya’s satellite network and terminal equipment. The TrustComm-managed Starlight gateway will support all standard Thuraya mobile satellite products and services.
Cyprus is the optimal site for this new regional satellite gateway. This convenient European location provides visibility to both the Thuraya-2 and Thuraya-3 satellites. It is strategically located to serve Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. The new gateway will be integrated with TrustComm’s Secure Network Operations Centers (S-NOCs) in Houston, Tex. and Stafford, Va. It also will provide the necessary interface with other Thuraya gateways and public terrestrial networks.
“Our new Starlight gateway in Cyprus is the latest major step in our global infrastructure expansion that includes the hiring of additional operations engineers and teleport staff. This expansion further demonstrates our commitment to offer the most advanced, assured MSS solutions required by U.S. and international customers with global requirements,” said TrustComm’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Roe. “Our partnership with Thuraya, Cyta, Hughes and Integral ensures that this venture is developed with the industry’s most innovative, reliable components.”
Thuraya’s Chief Executive Officer Samer Halawi said, “The extension of our partnership with TrustComm is further evidence of our commitment and ambitions to expand and diversify our customer base in the United States. Thuraya is fully dedicated to providing best-in-class services, solutions and support for our customers – together with TrustComm. The new gateway will further enhance our network’s resiliency and provide an end-to-end, managed Thuraya service for government and commercial users.”
Background on TrustComm’s Starlight Service
Starlight is the latest addition to TrustComm’s diverse portfolio of assured mobile and fixed satellite services. Available now, Starlight delivers broadband IP and voice communications for end users who require resilient and assured satellite communications with a demarcation point in the United States.
Starlight’s data and voice capabilities are authenticated and terminated with U.S. IP addresses and phone-number designations, based upon infrastructure that is fully controlled and managed by U.S. personnel. Starlight is a robust service covering Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. The service was jointly introduced by TrustComm and Thuraya in November 2013.
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 humanitarian 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. Visit www.thuraya.com.
About TrustComm Inc.
TrustComm is a global provider of assured, customized satellite communications services for companies and government agencies that require instant, robust and easily deployable connectivity. Originally founded in 1999, TrustComm was acquired in 2013 by the American investment group Global Secure Networks Inc. TrustComm’s assured satcom services, terrestrial and end-to-end networks provide maximum reliability to support a broad range of applications. Those applications include broadband Internet access, VoIP, video conferencing and data communications – for business continuity, emergency response, tactical field deployment and temporary usage. With its global network, engineering expertise, 24/7 primary S-NOC and owned infrastructure at the highly secure Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, and redundant S-NOC near Quantico, Va., TrustComm exceeds the security and reliability standards of its clients. For more information, please visit www.trustcomm.com.
All product and company names mentioned in this press release are trademarks of their respective companies.