Thuraya SIM Card - NOVA Prepaid

Important Update on Thuraya Service

Thuraya users may currently experience issues when calling GSM numbers. This is due to a major cable cut in the Red Sea, which has disrupted communication routes between the Middle East and Europe.

• Thuraya-to-Thuraya calls are unaffected

• Calls to GSM numbers may be impacted

• Thuraya is implementing a temporary workaround to restore wider service, which may mean slightly reduced call quality until full repairs are completed

The easiest and most flexible way to use your Thuraya satellite phone is with a pre-paid SIM card and pre-paid airtime units. No monthly contract is required and pre-paid airtime can be used in any of the 140 countries in Thuraya's coverage zone.

Choose NOVA Pre-Paid
10 units initial credit | 30-day validity after first call | Varied pricing depending on call location

See Thuraya NOVA Zones for more information >

Get more value from your Thuraya satellite phone with the NOVA Prepaid SIM. Designed for travellers, offshore crews, and remote workers across EMEA and Asia, NOVA keeps your costs low by offering reduced calling rates in designated NOVA zones.

Load it with prepaid airtime, stay contract-free, and enjoy flexible, reliable communication wherever your journey takes you. Simple activation, instant credit, and great savings make NOVA the smart choice for frequent Thuraya users.

NOVA Prepaid gives you:

• Lower call rates in supported regions

• 30-day validity with 10 units included

• No monthly contract or commitments

• Seamless communication across Thuraya’s coverage area

Stay connected for less with Thuraya NOVA.

Please note: Thuraya pre-paid airtime is compatible with first-generation Thuraya/Hughes phones such as the SO2510, SG2520 & 71XX. However, we are aware of issues with outbound and inbound calling relating to mobile operators, which we are unable to offer support on or issue refunds for purchased airtime.

Terms & Conditions

• First call must be made within 12 months.
• If a call is not made within the first 12 months from the date of activation, the SIM will enter dormancy status and a fee of $19 will be deducted from the balance every month till call is made.
• The Thuraya NOVA SIM has an initial validity of 30 days from first call.
• Annual Renewal Fee: $39.00 (39 Units deducted automatically from balance on renewal date)
• If the account balance is below 39 units at the renewal time, the account enters the 12-month grace period (Incoming calls are still possible).
• If the account is refilled within the grace period, the existing balance will be restored.
• If account is not refilled within the grace period, it will be deactivated and the number will be lost.
• Dormancy Fee: If there is no activity on your SIM card for 12 months+ (e.g. making a call), then a dormancy fee of $19.00 will be deducted from your SIM card. If you have a balance with less than $19.00, then the entire balance will be deducted.
• Minimum billable increment = 1 minute increments, 1 minute increments thereafter.
• Please click here to view the list of Band 1 and Band 2 countries
• Please note whilst our Thuraya SIM cards are compatible with older Hughes phones such as the 7100/7101, these are end of life and we do not offer any technical support once a SIM is active.

Renewal Fee:

The Thuraya NOVA Renewal Fee is now 39 Units, like the Thuraya Standard SIM Renewal Fee. This is automatically deducted from your balance on the renewal date every year. 

If your SIM card does not have the required 39 units for the SIM renewal, then it will fall into a 12-month grace period whereby you will need to add enough credit to cover the renewal charge of 39 units. To avoid deactivation, airtime must be added. If the SIM card becomes deactivated, please note that if you wish to reactivate your SIM card there is a fee.

If the account is NOT refilled within the grace period, the entire unused balance will be reset to zero on your Thuraya SIM and the account will be permanently deactivated.

Please note that upon requesting activation of your prepaid airtime you are agreeing that we can start providing your network services before the end of the usual statutory cancellation period and that by doing so, you lose your right to cancel your purchase of the prepaid airtime or request a refund. As a result, please check that you have ordered the correct airtime for your handset or terminal. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full information. This does not affect your statutory rights.