The Thuraya SatSleeve
Stuck in a faraway land where there’s no cellular network signal? No worries. Smart Communications, Inc. has unveiled a portable dock that allows iPhone users to seamlessly switch from cellular to satellite mode just by mounting the phone into the device.
Developed by Dubai-based mobile satellite services provider Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the SatSleeve—which will officially be available in October through postpaid plans—has call, SMS and data capabilities allowing users to use the phone just like they would in the normal cellular coverage.
The Thuraya SatSleeve has a built-in battery pack that enables your iPhone to operate for longer periods of time. The SatSleeve also comes equipped with an Emergency Call button so you can make a phone call to one predefined number even without your iPhone docked.
The SatSleeve App is available as a free download from the Apple App Store. Available in 12 languages, the app allows you to integrate your iPhone address book for satellite calls and text messages.
“In 2002, Smart made satellite communication affordable for the Filipino maritime workforce,” said Orlando B. Vea, chief wireless advisor for Smart.
“Now, with new satellite devices and a new partner in Thuraya, we are making satellite communications even more accessible and useful to more Filipinos, not just to provide communications at sea, but also to help deliver seamless communication service in other underserved areas in the country, or in times of disasters or calamities.”
Tina Z. Mariano, head of Smart’s Global Access Group adds that the SatSleeve is ideal for journalists, the military, people in the mining industry, and those involved in disaster preparedness and rescue operations.
The SatSleeve will initially be available for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 models. Soon, SatSleeve models for Android devices will be developed.
The cost of the unit and the postpaid plans for the SatSleeve will be announced in October.
Satellite Phone for Seafarers
Smart also launched the Marino PhonePal, a prepaid, IVR-PIN-based calling service that enables seafarers to make only outgoing voice calls at Php18 per minute from their ships, even while in the middle of the sea beyond the reach of cellular signals.
Calls can be made on-board a vessel equipped with specialized plug-and-play SF2500 Terminal which comes packaged with an active antenna and accessories.
The terminal is SIM-less and requires only the use of a Marino PhonePal Call Card.
“The recent Maritime Labor Convention has set a requirement for ship owners and ship managers to provide affordable voice and data services to their crew,” said Mariano. “We have an existing fleet rollout program where we give ship managers free Marino Phonepal units for installation on their ships with Filipino crew members. This allows them to comply with that decree that aims to uplift sea workers’ welfare.”
Marino PhonePal
Smart Satellite services currently serve the local maritime industry of more than 700,000 registered Filipino seafarers who comprise the largest nationality group in the worldwide seafaring workforce.
With Smart’s strategic partnership with Thuraya, Smart Satellite Services are now available in two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. This includes the land mass and sea areas of Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Indian Ocean.
