CHT and Thuraya gain approval to offer mobile satellite services in Taiwan

Taiwanese multi-service operator Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) and Dubai-based Thuraya Telecommunications have reportedly gained licensing approval from Taiwan’s telecoms regulator, the National Communications Commission (NCC) for the provisioning of the latter’s mobile satellite services. In a press release announcing the development, Thuraya highlighted the significance of the approval, saying that it represented the first time that ‘Taiwanese consumers and enterprise users alike will no longer be required to apply for individual licensing approval from the NCC to use mobile satellite services in the country’. Previously, only enterprise users had been eligible for licensing approval of mobile satellite services. Tai-Feng Leng, CHT’s International Business Group’s president, said of the deal: ‘This agreement signifies an important milestone for our customers who can now benefit from using a range of innovative mobile satellite voice, data and maritime products across Thuraya’s comprehensive network.’