Phoenicia Group Wins
VSAT Contract in Libya from Occidental Petroleum Corporation
(18 October 2006) Phoenicia Group
Libya LLC, a leading U.S.-Libyan integrated business advisory and consultancy
firm, announced today a one-year turn-key VSAT contract with Oxy Libya LLC, a
subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation.
Al-Waha IT &
Telecommunications, a subsidiary of the Phoenicia Group, is tasked with the
provision of an end-to-end VSAT System and Connectivity Solution in support of
Occidental Petroleum's drilling and exploration activities in Libya in Area
Blocks 106 and 124 in the Sirte Basin.
VSAT, or Very Small Aperture
Terminal, is a satellite-based communications system capable of providing
internet connectivity without cable-based infrastructure, ideal for the oil and
gas industry, where exploration and production activities are often carried out
in remote terrain.
The agreement calls for full VSAT systems and
hardware procurement, installation, servicing, and secure high-bandwidth
dedicated internet connectivity packages in support of Oxy's drilling program,
as well as satellite mobilisation support every 30-60 days for drilling rig
relocations.
Ryad Sunusi, President & CEO of Phoenicia Group, and
founder of the Libyan American Business Council, commented, "With over 200 VSAT
systems installed since 2002 for government, military, and private clients, and
a dedicated and motivated 60-strong staff, we lead the way in affordable VSAT
and communications solutions in Libya, including IT consultancy, microwave,
radio, VoIP, wireless, and fibre optic projects.
"We believe in
providing superior service and products at the best price, and will be
switching our VSAT dedicated bandwidth packages from the DVB-RCS format to
SCPC, resulting in considerable cost savings for clients," he
elaborated.
Due diligence in doing business in Libya was critical, Mr.
Sunusi pointed out.
"We strongly advise U.S. and international companies
in Libya to be wary of unscrupulous individuals and 'companies' who claim they
offer VSAT and other IT communication services. As only the General Post and
Telecommunications Company, Libya's state Telecom and IT body, or a company
officially licensed and authorised by GPTC, can carry out VSAT and other
sensitive communications solutions in Libya.
"We are glad to say that,
currently, as the sole private company authorised by GPTC to install and
operate VSAT terminals, our clients can rest assured they are receiving
sanctioned communication products - unfortunately, many companies have been
forced to pay heavy fines for using unsanctioned VSAT terminals installed
illegally by unlicensed parties."
Mr. Sunusi praised the current
restructuring plan underway at GPTC, stating, "We fully support GPTC's
forward-looking decision, and believe it will result in a more streamlined and
efficient organisational reboot."
About Phoenicia Group Libya,
LLC
Phoenicia Group, a U.S.-Libyan professional business services
company, establishes and advises on interoperability issues in the Libyan
Market with technology, and devises, researches and implements market entry and
risk management strategies for U.S. companies wishing to establish a foothold
for commerce in Libya.
(source: Phoenicia Group Libya)