As devices become more compact, mobile Smart expands satellite services

MANILA, Philippines - By simply slipping your smartphone into a special sleeve, you can turn your mobile handset into a fully operational satellite phone capable of making voice calls, text messaging and handling mobile apps like Facebook and Twitter.

This breakthrough service is part of the suite of new services made possible by the partnership of Smart Communications Inc. and world-leading mobile satellite services provider Thuraya Telecommunications Co.

A pioneer in the local maritime satellite communications market, Smart has officially unveiled the Marino PhonePal, the only local satellite voice call service that can provide true satellite coverage while at sea, and the upcoming SatSleeve which can transform a regular smartphone into a portable satellite phone unit.

“In 2002, Smart made satellite communication affordable for the Filipino maritime workforce,” said Orlando 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,” Vea added.

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 seas of Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and the Indian Ocean.

Initially, Smart will offer two satellite phone services. The first is the Marino Phonepal, a prepaid, IVR PIN-based calling service that enables seafarers to make voice calls from their ships, even while in the middle of the sea beyond the reach of cellular signals. It offers the lowest “call home” satellite rates at P18 per minute.

The other new product that will be offered soon is the SatSleeve — a portable dock that allows iPhone users to switch from cellular to satellite mode just by mounting the phone into the device. It has call, SMS and data capabilities allowing users to use the phone just like they would in the normal cellular coverage.

The SatSleeve will be initially available for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 models. Soon, SatSleeve models for Android devices will be developed.

The convenience and portability of the SatSleeve make it possible for Smart to offer its satellite solutions to a wider market, here and abroad.

“These compact and mobile devices make satellite communication simpler and more accessible to people in the media, military, mining, tourism and more,” Vea said. “With Smart’s widest cellular coverage in the country and Thuraya’s satellite footprint that reaches even the remotest areas in the Philippines and beyond, a communications dead spot is now a thing of the past for mobile users,” he said.

Smart is also now partnering with national agencies and select humanitarian and rescue organizations for the use of the SatSleeve in disaster preparedness and emergency communications.

“In a disaster-prone country like ours, we should be always ready for calamities and emergencies. Smart Satellite Services give emergency agencies greater flexibility in responding to calamities,” Vea said.