Introducing Thuraya Satellite Phones
Thuraya’s range of satellite phones caters to anyone traveling within EMEA & APAC regions, as they offer reliable satellite communication services in these select parts of the world. One of the first things we advise customers on when purchasing a Thuraya phone is that it cannot be used in Africa or North or South America. Offering a variety of models, Thuraya’s lineup of quality and durable satellite phones is hugely popular among GTC customers thanks to some of their particularly unique features including extensive battery lives, touchscreen displays, and cost-effectiveness.
Far-Reaching Coverage: Connectivity Beyond Boundaries
Unlike competitor satellite networks like Iridium and Inmarsat whose coverage is global and near-global respectively, Thuraya’s coverage only extends as far as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia. Trying to use a Thuraya satellite phone in the Americas will not result in a connection being made because Thuraya’s satellites do not reach that part of the planet. However, Thuraya’s two satellites, serving over 150 countries, have expanded the group’s satellite fleet to five. The combination of geostationary satellites operating in the C, Ka, Ku, and L-bands jointly cover EMEA & APAC regions providing a broad range of fixed and mobile satellite services spanning voice and data communications to both commercial and government sectors.
Cutting-Edge Features: The Power in Your Hands
If you are just starting your satellite phone journey, a Thuraya satellite phone is not a bad place to start. For starters, when you line them up against competitor phones from Iridium or Inmarsat, for example, you could save upwards of about £400 for the price of the cheapest handset, the Thuraya XT LITE satellite phone. Not only is it highly affordable, but it is also one of the only phones that offers dual GSM & satellite voice calling through one SIM card, meaning a more seamless user experience when traveling through remote regions of the world. As their base entry model, the XT LITE is super easy to use and offers SMS messages in satellite mode whenever there is no terrestrial network available.
On the other end of the spectrum, however, is the powerful Thuraya X5 Touch satellite phone. Not only is it the world’s first smart satellite phone, it is the most rugged phone in the MSS industry, with a 5.2” full HD LCD touchscreen with Gorilla® glass for enhanced screen protection and capacitive display. It runs on Google’s Android operating system, and so comes with a variety of preinstalled apps including Gmail, Google Maps, Google Chrome, Google Search, and the Google Play Store. The X5 Touch is the closest you will come to a combination of an everyday smartphone with satellite capabilities.
Robust and Resilient: Communication in Extreme Environments
Thuraya satellite phones are among some of the toughest and most durable models available. And when you’re working remotely in harsh environments or extreme weather, you need a handset that can deliver under pressure. Models such as the Thuraya XT PRO satellite phone typically come with toughened Gorilla glass display screens which are anti-glare to shield from the sun and are IP55 or above rated for water and dust resistance and shockproofing. With a Thuraya phone, you know you don’t have to be gentle with it at all times. They are designed to take the searing heat and harsh desert environments where they are used most.
Emergency Preparedness: A Lifeline When It Matters Most
Satellite phones matter most when a situation turns unpredictable, dangerous, or even life-threatening. They are the communication bridge when you venture beyond the reach of traditional cellular coverage, allowing you to make contact with loved ones or search and rescue professionals when your life, or the lives of others, depends on it. With a Thuraya satellite phone, you are given this lifeline due to its reliability in connecting via satellite to a landline or mobile phone. It is essential for anyone considering a remote or off-grid excursion to bring a reliable satellite communications device with them, especially in the name of having a contingency plan should the excursion become dangerous.
Conclusion
As with a lot of things, we recommend you consider all aspects of your trip, journey, challenge, or excursion when it comes to buying a Thuraya satellite phone. Decide where in the world you will be traveling, and whether the device will pick up a satellite signal. Consider your budget and decide which features of the satellite phone are essential i.e. do you value lengthy battery life over ease of use or durability? Each Thuraya model has its own set of unique features which could help narrow down your options.
As always, our team of experts is here to help. So, if you need any advice about Thuraya satellite phones, contact us via:
- Email: info@gtc.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 112 3919
