Seeing as I work in the Satellite Communications industry I thought I'd share something this esoteric market has innovated recently. (I say that because it just isn't something that gets around much. It's a very word of mouth industry that has little footing in the consumer market) Anyway, Thuraya, one of the big three (others being Iridium and Inmarsat) has released a device that turns your iPhone into a satellite phone. Dubbed the SatSleeve, you download an App, buy the sleeve at around $500~ dollars and purchase a Thuraya SIM card (Post or pre-paid available). It extends battery life - coz hell knows no fury like a sat call for draining battery - and lets you make emergency calls in the desert, with no SIM card, miles from anything... The only real issue is this: Thuraya coverage is only in a specific area. So, why is this interesting? Well... you can only imagine that others will follow suit. Soon Inmarsat and Iridium are sure to follow if we are to hope there is no exclusivity deal in place between Apple and Thuraya. This potentially means that in the future, if Iridium made a cover, you could roam the world with one smartphone. Regardless of where you are... all you need is line of sight and you can make calls. I'm talking literally calling your Mum from the South Pole. I think Thuraya have a cracking product here. So well done.
James Bond tech! The day it cost the same as a international call to phone home from anywhere. I'm down with it!
Yeah... It's expensive. But this is the way to do it. Yeah the military are always going to want high IP rated and secure products; but for your traveller especially the extreme sports guy, NGOs and remote workers it is ace. Although a lot of oil & gas workers aren't allowed to bring their phone. It is getting there though... They are all falling over themselves to get on social networking and stuff there... But it's only journalists and charities benefiting.
Cool. It's literally the best gadget for average joe the industry has made. We had 8 calls before I even sent out any marketing materials. [bear in mind the word of mouth comments that is impressive] Makes me want an iPhone... although to be fair, I'd rather it was Inmarsat as they have superior coverage (area wise. Don't want to upset anyone ) Also my gf has an iPHone, so I could get one for hers when we travel. And if I'm with the company still activate a demo SIM The THuraya NOVA SIM is discounted rates all over around 140 countries... I think you can make calls for a decent price... I'd have to look at pricing. Don't have it at home funnily enough... sensitive materials or something?
