Satphones now essential

MANILA, Philippines - Amid growing concerns over natural calamities hitting the country, local government units and agencies are acquiring satellite devices as an essential component of their disaster preparedness efforts.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which promotes disaster consciousness this month with the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran,” aims to provide six satellite phones in every region to beef up its communication capability in times of disaster.

On the other hand, the city government of Manila, among others, has obtained satellite phones as back-up means of communication during calamities for its team of responders.

Dependent on a network of satellites above the earth for the transmission of communication signals, satellite devices provide a lifeline in situations when cellular coverage is compromised, such as after a strong earthquake or typhoon.

To address this demand, Smart Communications Inc. launched early this year SmartSAT, the country’s first and only satellite-powered communication service that brings the benefits of satellite technology to the wider public.

With this new service, firms, agencies and individuals may avail themselves of the SmartSAT SatSleeve, a device that turns an iPhone 5, iPhone 5s or Samsung Galaxy S4 into a satellite phone instantly. Also available is the XT, a stand-alone satellite phone unit that is ruggedized to withstand tough environments.

Using SmartSAT, anyone can send messages, make voice calls, and access data even when cellular networks are down. “SmartSAT serves many purposes, but on top of everything, it provides a back-up means of communication in case of emergencies and is a must-have in every disaster preparedness kit,” said Tina Mariano, head of Smart’s Global Access Group.

SmartSAT taps the wide satellite coverage of its partner, Thuraya Telecommunications Co., whose coverage spans over 160 countries or two-thirds of the world, including major sealanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Indian Ocean.                

A SmartSAT package is worth P38,500, inclusive of the device and an initial airtime credit load of $225, valid for one year.

With the SatSleeve or the XT, a voice call made within the coverage area costs $0.57 or about P25 per minute to Smart, Sun, and PLDT numbers, and $0.80, equivalent to around P35, per minute to other networks. SmartSAT users can also make calls to more than 100 of the most frequently called countries for only $0.57, or P25, per minute.            

On the other hand, SMS service costs $0.23 or P10 per message, while data service is charged $0.015 or seven centavos for every 10Kb. Contacting the customer care hotline on satellite mode is free of charge. Prepaid load cards at 35, 100, and 250-unit denominations are available to subscribers.              

To know more about SmartSAT, visit www.smart.com.ph/satellite.