Paul Sheridan, Head of Optus Satellite said, “This partnership means that customers in regional areas will no longer need to carry around multiple or bulky handsets. With the GSM/Satellite dual mode handset customers will be able to use the same phone on both the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks.

the Thuraya next generation single mode Satellite Only handset and the dual mode GSM/Satellite handset, packed with feature rich applications and capabilities including:

• world’s smallest, lightest and compact Satellite phone
• Network selection between the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks (dual mode handset only)
• Feature rich applications including; SMS, Built in GPS and Camera (dual mode handset only), as well as the ability to connect a Bluetooth device

Optus plans to offer the Thuraya Satellite Only and dual mode GSM/Satellite mobile handsets nationally through Optus MobileSat dealerships and Optus Business sales channels in August and continue roll out to Optus World stores and Optus Wholesale partners in late 2008.