News
Dubai-Based Carasti Lets You Rent A Car For Up To Two Years
Carasti describes itself as an all-inclusive car subscription app that removes all the hassle associated with car ownership, such as service and maintenance, while preserving all the benefits.
Due to environmental and safety regulations, as well as rising costs of insurance and fuel, the cost of car ownership has never been higher. While modern public transportation systems in many countries already provide an attractive alternative, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their limitations. Fortunately, there’s another option available: long-term car renting, and McKinsey predicts that it will generate almost 30 percent of the automotive industry’s revenue by 2030 thanks to startups like Carasti, which has just launched its service following a successful pre-Series A funding round last month.
Based in Dubai, Carasti describes itself as an all-inclusive car subscription app that removes all the hassle associated with car ownership, such as service and maintenance, while preserving all the benefits.
“Our subscription model aims to make car ownership as flexible and affordable as possible, providing our customers with an easy alternative to car ownership,” explains the company’s CEO, Claudio Esposito-Aiardo. “There are no hidden costs, no extra fees, and no financial surprises. We simply don’t believe that you should be weighing yourself down with debts, bank loans, and payments just to drive a car.”
Also Read: Dubai-Based Startup Huspy Helps Emiratis Buy Homes Online
Carasti users can choose between two distinct subscription models. The month-to-month subscription model provides access to a variety of nearly new cars with a monthly, 6 month or yearly commitment. The mini lease subscription model lets users choose a 12 or 24-month plan on a brand-new car.
Regardless of which model you pick, you always have to provide only your Emirates ID, driving license, passport copy, or visa copy. All subscriptions include insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and flexible car switching. Carasti supports both Android and iOS devices, and your first car can be delivered to you in as little as 4 hours from downloading it.
News
Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia
The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.
Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.
Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.
Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis
D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.
What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.
The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
-
News2 weeks ago
Dubai Future Forum 2024 Welcomes An Era Of Transformative Change
-
News6 days ago
New Spotify “Recents” Feature Offers 90-Day Listening History
-
News6 days ago
Instagram DMs Just Got A New Location-Sharing Feature
-
News2 weeks ago
Cisco Highlights 2024 Cybersecurity Trends Ahead Of Black Hat MEA