Major mobile satellite operator Thuraya and Western Union have partnered to offer top-up services for Thuraya prepaid SIM cards for voice and data services using the Western Union Quick Pay SM service.
The service is available at participating Western Union agent locations in the majority of the countries and territories in which the company provides services, enabling Thuraya customers to recharge their prepaid SIMs with no fee.
Michel Foricher, vice president of service Delivery, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe & CIS at Western Union, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with Thuraya. The Western Union QuickPay service will provide Thuraya customers the convenience of topping up their prepaid SIM cards at participating Western Union agent locations in our network, a quick and convenient facility for Thuraya customers, particularly those who may be in remote locations.”
Bilal El Hamoui, vice president of distribution at Thuraya said: “Our agreement with Western Union marks the first time in the world that a satellite telecoms operator is providing such a service. The service is a great convenience for customers who may be located in remote areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This is yet another example of Thuraya’s commitment to developing innovative solutions and enhancing our services for our growing customer base in emerging markets, with special focus of this deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa and CIS countries.”
To top-up a Thuraya prepaid SIM card, a customer can now visit a participating Western Union agent location, provide identification and their Thuraya phone number and reload their prepaid SIM card with a cash payment. Family, friends and colleagues can also add prepaid credit on behalf of a Thuraya user travelling abroad.
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