Technology

Leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operatorThuraya Telecommunications today unveiled a new generation of SatSleeve models, offering greater choice,improvedquality and a new hotspot option.

When SatSleeve was launched in 2013 itpioneeredthe "bring your own device" (BYOD) conceptinthe satellite industry. Now Thurayagoes furtherwith two new models, and has identified a clear consumer targetmarket for therange, runningalongsidecoregovernment, media,energy,and NGO sectors. SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspotwill appeal totravellers,adventurersandoutdoor sportspeople, or simplytoconsumers who want the assurance that their smartphone will connect even when terrestrial networks are unavailable or damaged.

Thuraya willmarketSatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspotthrough existingdistributionpartners; innovative agreements it has developed with MNOs in key markets; and new channels generated through online retailer Expansys.

Thuraya's Chief Executive Officer, Samer Halawi,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 newMNOsin keygeographieswill 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 tobe connected when and where they need it."

SatSleeve+features a new voice routing system that improves on thesoundquality,and can be used with awiderrange of smartphone models than before.Itcomes with a universalsmartphoneadaptor,broadening its appealto a larger number of smartphone ownersthan was previously possible. The adaptor also allowsusersto switch betweenhandsets,soowners of more than one smartphonedonotneedtobuyadditional kit.

SatSleeve Hotspot'sstand creates a portable satellite Wi-Fi hotspot,givingpeople satellite connectivity withoutphysically dockingtheir smartphone to a unit, and freedom to moveindoors.ASatSleeve Hotspotusercan leave the standoutside, stay indoors or in theirvehicle, and use theirsmartphone in satellite modeinside.TheSatSleeveHotspot is the smallest, lightest, and most capable in the industry.

Both models let you make calls,use messaging applications,update your social network, send and receiveemail and SMS, and access apps. They alsocome withan additional safety feature -a programmable SOS button that works even if your smartphone isn't connected. This convenient functionlets customers call a predefined number oftheirchoice.

ThurayaSatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspotoffer 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.Connection is easy, gaining access toThuraya'svast coverage area spanning Europe, Africa,the Middle East,Asia andAustralia.SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspotworkeitherwitha Thuraya SIM cardor witha GSM SIM card frommore than360 Thuraya roaming partners worldwide.

Thuraya continues to add new partners and extending existing partnerships as it takes the new SatSleeve models to market. Halawi said: "MNOs around the world can offer their customers a first-of-a-kind service that delivers constant 100% geographical coverage. This sets the MNO apart from their competitors, and generates a higher average revenue per user (ARPU). Retailers can for the first time offer an exciting product that complements their smartphone offerings."

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