By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: CommunicAsia 2013: Thuraya’s SatSleeve turns your iPhone into a satellite phone
Share
Font ResizerAa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Font ResizerAa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > CommunicAsia 2013: Thuraya’s SatSleeve turns your iPhone into a satellite phone
CellphonesMobile

CommunicAsia 2013: Thuraya’s SatSleeve turns your iPhone into a satellite phone

Raymond Lau
Last updated: June 13, 2014 at 5:04 PM
Raymond Lau
Published: June 21, 2013
3 Min Read

Thuraya SatSleeve

Living in one of the most connected cities on Earth, we sometimes forget that there are still large swathes of land and sea not served by terrestrial mobile network coverage. Journalists in war zones, relief workers in remote areas, and sailors out at sea for months, just to name a few, have to rely on specialised satellite equipment to get connected, which can be rather expensive.

But with Thuraya’s new SatSleeve — unveiled at the CommunicAsia trade show in Singapore this week — a simple iPhone can be transformed almost instantly into a satellite phone.

Setting the SatSleeve up is painless. Snap the sleeve onto the iPhone, pair them via Bluetooth, launch the custom SatSleeve app, and you can start making satellite calls through Thuraya’s network of satellites, which covers more than two-thirds of the planet.

There are, however, some notable geographical exceptions. For some reason, the Americas aren’t covered by Thuraya’s satellites.

The SatSleeve itself is powered by a 2,400 mAh battery, which is rated at 48 hours of stand-by time, and up to 4 hours of talk time. It can even be used as an external battery to charge the iPhone.

As with all satellite technology, coverage is best when you’re under the clear blue sky. There’s a also large extendable antenna to help improve reception.

Unfortunately, the SatSleeve doesn’t do mobile Internet, yet, so users are limited to voice calls and SMS. It also doesn’t support any other phones other than the iPhone 4/4S, though we’re told iPhone 5 and Android versions are coming soon.

Despite its shortcomings, the SatSleeve is a pretty amazing product, especially for those in its target market.

The SatSleeve isn’t available off-the-shelf, and no price was mentioned, though Thuraya promises that it’s “highly affordable”.

I don’t imagine many of you will rush out to buy one immediately, but if you intend to make an expedition into uncharted and un-networked territories, the SatSleeeve can be purchased from one of Thuraya’s partners or distributors.

LG’s G Tablet 8.3 comes to Singapore for S$438
Choosing a Windows 8 tablet for your business
Nokia Lumia 1020 costs S$999 in Singapore, bets on camera prowess
Goondu review: Vivo V9 looks promising with sleek design, despite flaws
Get your OnePlus 2 phone exclusively on Lazada Singapore
TAGGED:communicasiaCommunicAsia 2013iPhonesatellite phonesatsleeveThuraya

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Previous Article Alienware unveils three powerful gaming laptops
Next Article 4 tips to protect yourself against cyber crime this shopping season
2 Comments
  • Azuka Egbunike, says:
    June 17, 2017 at 5:42 am

    What is the cost of the Thuraya satsleeve

    Reply
  • sami says:
    August 28, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    cost for thuraya xt-pro

    Reply

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow

Latest News

AWS opens Asia-Pacific innovation hub in Singapore
Enterprise
June 30, 2025
Red Hat pitches open-source software for more efficient AI inference
Enterprise Software
June 27, 2025
Owndays x Huawei Eyewear 2 review: Music on your smart glasses
Audio-visual Mobile
June 26, 2025
Sony Bravia 5 review: Mini LED TV delivers good movie moments
Audio-visual
June 25, 2025

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
© 2024 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Follow Us!
Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?