In a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide, Thuraya, the United Arab Emirates-based Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) provider, has officially expanded its services to South Sudan. This strategic move aims to extend the company’s market presence in the region while addressing the pressing need for improved connectivity in South Sudan. Thuraya has partnered with South Sudan’s Gate for Technologies (G4T) Company, which will serve as the local service provider, offering a diverse range of products and solutions to cater to the mobile communication needs of the country’s populace. This collaboration brings the promise of reliable communication services, such as voice calling, SMS messaging, data services, and location-based services, to a region where access has historically been a challenge.
A Commitment to Development
During the official launch event in Juba, Elijah Alier Kuai, the Managing Director of South Sudan Media Authority, expressed his commitment to driving policies that foster development in the communications sector. He emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted today to announce Gate for Technologies as the official representative of Thuraya in South Sudan. Thuraya is set to bridge the connectivity gap in areas where access has been challenging. As the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services, we are dedicated to spearheading policies that will accelerate progress in the communication sector.”
Extending Network Services for South Sudan
Eng. Sami Hagana, Thuraya’s Associate Vice President, highlighted the core objective of the launch – to extend their network services to benefit the South Sudanese population. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Gate for Technologies and their joint efforts to enhance regional connectivity. This expansion is seen as a step towards reducing the communication gap that has affected a significant portion of South Sudan’s population for far too long.
Urgent Need for Improved Connectivity
Napoleon Adok Gai, the Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), emphasized the pressing need for improved connectivity in the country. He acknowledged Thuraya’s significant contributions, particularly in South Sudan, where communication has historically been challenging across vast regions. He stated, “To this day, we estimate that 60 percent of our country’s population still lacks access to reliable communication.”
Thuraya’s entry into the South Sudanese market signifies a substantial step towards improving communication infrastructure in the region. The partnership with Gate for Technologies Company is expected to facilitate access to Thuraya’s cutting-edge mobile services to benefit a substantial portion of South Sudan’s population, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and supporting various sectors, including business, healthcare, and education.
The Impact on Business and Development
Thuraya’s business connection service launch in South Sudan is pivotal for the country’s development and economic growth. Through reliable communication services, Thuraya creates opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. This will allow more people to access the resources they need to make the most of opportunities in South Sudan, thus helping the country move forward. The expansion of Thuraya’s services will also play a crucial role in humanitarian interventions, as access to communication often determines life or death for many individuals in the region.
Conclusion
Thuraya’s collaboration with G4T to launch services in South Sudan represents a significant milestone in the quest to bridge the digital divide and improve communication infrastructure in the region. The commitment of South Sudan’s authorities to enhance connectivity and the urgent need for improved communication services further underscore the importance of this partnership. As South Sudan takes its first steps towards reliable mobile communication services, the future promises a more connected, prosperous, and developed nation.
