New Thuraya Net service in big demand

Thuraya's direct dial-up access to the Internet, launched late last month, is eliciting very good res-ponse, especially from rural areas.

In response, the company is speeding up connection by using better technology, officials said. "Thuraya service is badly needed in remote areas. In fact, it was started after we had requests from rural areas which did not have Internet and PC facilities," said its official spokesman.

Thuraya's direct dial-up access to the Internet in its dual mode handset enables subscribers to browse the Web any time and anywhere in the coverage area. The service is offered with no additional subscription charge.

The service does not require a user name and password. However, Thuraya post-paid suscri-bers need prior activation of the data service to connect to the Net.

Subscribers can place Internet calls by connecting the phone to a PC or laptop using a Thuraya data cable. All standard Internet services are possible using this facility.