Leading mobile satellite services operator Thuraya Telecommunications has unveiled a new generation of SatSleeve models, offering greater choice, improved quality and a new hotspot option.

 

When SatSleeve was launched in 2013 it pioneered the 'bring-your-own-device" (BYOD) concept in the satellite industry, said a statement.

 

 Thuraya now goes further with two new models, and has identified a clear consumer target market for the range, running alongside core government, media, energy, and NGO sectors, it said.

 

SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot will appeal to travellers, adventurers and outdoor sportspeople, or simply to consumers who want the assurance that their smartphone will connect even when terrestrial networks are unavailable or damaged.

 

Thuraya will market SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot through existing distribution partners; innovative agreements it has developed with multi-national organisations in key markets; and new channels generated through online retailer Expansys.

 

Samer Halawi, chief executive officer, said: "Thuraya continues to innovate, improve its range and widen its appeal. SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot offer double the choice, and demonstrate triple innovation: the models themselves are new; the way we're selling them online across Europe is groundbreaking; and agreements with new MNOs in key geographies will bring us into direct contact with important customer markets. 

 

"Thuraya's purpose is to save and improve lives, and these products will allow more people to be connected when and where they need it."

 

SatSleeve+ features a new voice routing system that improves on the sound quality, and can be used with a wider range of smartphone models than before, said the statement.

 

It comes with a universal smartphone adaptor, broadening its appeal to a larger number of smartphone owners than was previously possible. The adaptor also allows users to switch between handsets, so owners of more than one smartphone do not need to buyadditional kit, it said.

 

SatSleeve Hotspot's stand creates a portable satellite WiFi hotspot, giving people satellite connectivity without physically docking their smartphone to a unit, and freedom to move indoors. 

 

A SatSleeve Hotspot user can leave the stand outside, stay indoors or in their vehicle, and use their smartphone in satellite mode inside. The SatSleeve Hotspot is the smallest, lightest, and most capable in the industry.

 

Both models let the user make calls, use messaging applications, update social network, send and receive email and SMS, and access apps. 

 

They also come with an additional safety feature - a programmable SOS button that works even if the smartphone is not connected. This convenient function will let customers call a predefined number of their choice.

 

Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot will offer fast, simple connectivity on the move, in remote areas normally beyond the reach of smartphones, or in urban areas where terrestrial networks have become unavailable or unreliable. 

 

The connection will be easy, gaining access to Thuraya's vast coverage area spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. 

 

SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot will work either with a Thuraya SIM card or with a GSM SIM card from more than 360 Thuraya roaming partners worldwide. - TradeArabia News Service