Thuraya SatSleeve turns Apple iPhone into satellite phone

Apple iPhone users in the enterprise, government, and consumer markets can now enjoy satellite telephony services thanks to the recently launched Thuraya SatSleeve adaptor.

SatSleeve is the first consumer-friendly mobile satellite phone in the industry. It leverages Thuraya’s extensive satellite network to provide iPhone users with easy and affordable access to mobile satellite communications.

The compact adaptor is a little bigger than the iPhone itself and is capable of giving the capabilities of a satellite phone to the Apple product. With SatSleeve, iPhone users can enjoy reliable connectivity even when they are outside the reach of traditional terrestrial networks.

iPhones usually access connectivity from terrestrial networks that have limited coverage areas. In comparison, Thuraya SatSleeve allows users to access connectivity anywhere in the world. It also works as an important mobile communications tool for users who take long expeditions into remote regions that cannot be reached by terrestrial mobile networks. This includes corporate users, especially enterprises that operate in remote regions of the world, as well as explorers, mountaineers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

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Inmarsat helps out Race2Recovery team with SATCOM gear, services for 2013 Dakar Rally

The Race2Recovery team will be participating in the 2013 Dakar Rally in South America with the help of satellite communications equipment and services provided by Inmarsat.

Inmarsat will provide the team with its portable and vehicular BGAN satellite communications terminals, eight IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phones, and an unlimited voice and data service. These SATCOM systems can ensure voice and real-time broadband data connectivity for customers in some of the remotest places of the world like the Atacama Desert and the Andes mountain range.

Thanks to the SATCOM equipment provided by Inmarsat, the Race2Recovery team can maintain contact during their preparations in Morocco and during the 8,000 kilometer rally itself. They can open a video link with their support crews back in the UK, and call for help during any emergencies they encounter. Other, more mundane uses include posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, and the charity’s website.

Injured ex-British and American service personnel, veterans, and expert volunteers comprise the Race2Recovery team. They are joining the off-road endurance race with the goal of collecting money for Help For Heroes and associated US charities.

According to Mr. Tony Harris, co-director of the Race2Recovery team, he and his teammates can rely on the Inmarsat BGAN terminals to supply them with superb voice and broadband connectivity in some of the most remote places on Earth. He describes the Inmarsat satellite communications kit to be incredibly simple, lightweight, and compact. It was also great for sending emails and posting texts and images on social media sites.

Mr. Harris recalled that one of the team's vehicles suffered two punctures during the first training session in Morocco back in October. Each vehicle only carried one spare tire, so the Race2Recovery was forced to send a vehicle to locate new tires. The search team found a tire supplier through BGAN, and the different crews used the IsatPhone Pro handheld satphones to stay in touch with each other.

In addition to serving as a co-director for Race2Recovery, Tony Harris will also participate in the 2013 Dakar Rally as a driver. He is a former Captain of the Royal Regiment of Fuseliers and a veteran of the Afghan Conflict. He is also a below-the-knee amputee.

Globafone now offering cash rebates for upgrading Iridium docking station

Starting August 3, GlobaFone clients who upgrade their Applied Satellite Engineering-manufactured Iridium docking stations and satellite phones can enjoy a unique rebate and trade-in/upgrade program.

GlobaFone, a satellite communications service provider, and its satellite engineering company partner, ASE, announced that clients who used 9505A docking stations can exchange those aging systems for great rebates on the new ASE-DK075 docks.

GlobaFone added that it is putting up two rebate programs. Clients can choose to upgrade just their dock, or they can upgrade both their dock and their satellite phone.

Thanks to these rebate programs, GlobaFone clients to upgrade the functionality of their current Iridium satellite communications systems at a more affordable cost. "This program is simple," said GlobaFone CEO Lou Altman. "Clients will save hundreds of dollars when they buy the ASE-DK075 dock and send us their 9505A dock. We can also upgrade their phones," he added.

"The dock swap program is a direct result of collaborative thinking," said Jeff McFarland, CEO of Applied Satellite Engineering. "We are pleased to be working with GlobaFone to coordinate this opportunity."

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