Thuraya and Geonix launch free user-initiated location service

Dubai: UAE-based Thuraya Telecommunications Company has launched a new location service, ThurayaLocate, in conjunction with UK-based Geonix, a specialist in location services and equipment.

The ThurayaLocate service allows anyone with any Thuraya handset to view their position on maps, satellite images and aerial photography anywhere in the world.

Every satellite phone developed for the Thuraya network contains an embedded GPS positioning system, and this is used when initiated by the user to report the handset's position to the ThurayaLocate servers.

From there, the position display can be shared again as defined by the user with any friends, family, employer or rescue agency.

The service is available to all Thuraya customers free of charge and requires the user to simply register initially and activate the service from their respective handsets.

ThurayaLocate services are for people who will be working or travelling primarily in off-the-beaten-track locations who desire additional security for themselves as well as peace of mind.