Smart expands satellite services

MANILA, Philippines - Wireless giant Smart Communications Inc. has expanded the coverage of its satellite communications service to cover smartphone users.

The company, through SmartSAT, is now offering a portable dock called SatSleeve that transforms a smartphone into an instant satellite device, said Smart’s executive vice president and head of Wireless Consumer Business Charles Lim,

“With SmartSAT, the company’s satellite services arm is branching out of its niche in the maritime industry and is going into new markets to benefit from satellite communications,” he said.

One version is compatible with Apple’s iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s handsets while another works with Samsung Galaxy S4 units.

Smart also offers a stand-alone satellite phone unit, called the XT, that is specially made to withstand tough environments.

Both the SatSleeve and XT give users access to voice calls, emails, text messages and data services even in areas where cellular coverage is compromised.

“Smart targets critical and demanding fields such as the media, the military, and the country’s disaster and emergency response agencies. We are also catering to business groups and even private individuals who need the security of having a back-up or enhanced mobile coverage,” said Lim.

Smart Global Access Group head Tina Mariano said the SatSleeve and XT are offered under its strategic partnership with mobile satellite services provider Thuraya Telecommunications Co.

Smart and Thuraya forged a strategic partnership in September last year, expanding the PLDT unit’s satellite coverage to over 160 countries or two-thirds of the world, including major sea lanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Indian Ocean.

“The advent of compact satellite devices like the SatSleeve and XT with affordable service rates reinforces the case to owning a personal satellite device,” she explained.

Each of the devices is offered in a SmartSAT package worth P38,500 that includes a special satellite SIM with an initial airtime credit load of about P10,000 valid for one year.

A voice call from a remote area costs about $0.57 per minute to Smart, Sun and PLDT numbers, and $0.80 per minute to other networks. Cost of International calls range from $0.57 to $5.75, depending on the location.

On the other hand, SMS service costs $0.23 per message, while data service is charged $0.015 for every 10 kilobyte.

Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea said SmartSAT provides boundless connectivity, as exemplified during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda that battered the Visayas region last November.

“The disaster brought about greater awareness of satellite communications as a vital lifeline in extreme scenarios. The benefits of satellite communication became perceptible, setting off a demand for this technology to be made available to a wider public – and fast,” he said.

Following its partnership with Thuraya, Smart’s satellite business arm launched Smart Marino Phonepal, a prepaid, IVR PIN-based calling service that allows seafarers to make voice calls from their ships with the lowest satellite rates at P18 per minute.

Smart has since deployed Marino PhonePal terminals to over 1,000 vessels and forged deals with over 100 manning agencies, maritime organizations, schools, and training centers to promote the service.