Thuraya Hughes 7100 satellite phone

The Thuraya Hughes 7100 is a pioneer in the mobile satellite communications industry. Launched in the early 2000s, this device was specifically designed to operate on the Thuraya satellite network, providing connectivity in remote areas where terrestrial GSM networks were unavailable. The hardware itself was developed by Hughes Network Systems, an American company specialized in satellite technologies.

The brand Thuraya is based in the United Arab Emirates and has grown into a major international provider of mobile satellite services. While the technology was engineered in the United States and the brand is Emirati, the physical manufacturing of these units typically occurred in high-tech assembly hubs across various countries during its production lifecycle. Today, the brand is owned by Yahsat, which is part of the Mubadala Investment Company's portfolio, cementing its role in the global telecommunications infrastructure.