Public, private sectors upbeat with breakthrough SmartSAT service

MANILA, Philippines - Representatives of both the public and private sectors are upbeat with the launch of SmartSAT, the first commercial satellite communications service in the country, as well as the availability of cutting-edge satellite devices from Smart Communications Inc.

“No more is a satellite communications system important than in an archipelagic country like the Philippines, which is also prone to disasters,” said former senator and now Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon during the recent SmartSAT launch at the Jump Center in Megamall.

“Out of years of experience in dealing with natural disasters, we know that in a strong typhoon, there are times when you lose contact. You fret, you fidget, you worry and resort to a lot of guesswork,” said Gordon.

“This is where satellite communication systems become important, and I am very happy to find that Smart and Thuraya have forged a partnership to equip the Philippines in front-line operations in disasters and other kinds of emergencies,” he added.

SmartSAT package

Under SmartSAT, Smart now offers the SatSleeve for iPhone and SatSleeve for Android, two revolutionary cases that instantly transform iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s handsets and Samsung Galaxy S4 units, respectively, into a satellite phone. Smart also offers the XT, a stand-alone satellite phone that is ruggedized to withstand tough environments.

Each of the devices is offered in a SmartSAT package worth P38,500, inclusive of a special satellite SIM with an initial airtime credit load of $225 or around P10,000, valid for one year.

With these devices, anyone can make a call, send a message or access the Internet anywhere within the coverage of Smart’s partner, Thuraya Telecommunications Co., which spans to over 160 countries and the major sealanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Indian Ocean.

Crucial for disaster response

Satellite devices were crucial in the disaster response and relief efforts immediately after Typhoon Yolanda hit, said Gamaliel Cordoba, commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission.

For its part, Smart took the lead in helping reconnect the worst-hit areas in Leyte and Samar by deploying over 120 satellite phones to set up Libreng Tawag Centers for survivors, assist engineers in restoring network coverage in the affected areas, and aid government agencies and humanitarian organizations in their relief efforts.

“I remember that the first Libreng Tawag service was done through the satellite phones and terminals from Smart, immediately the day after the disaster,” said Cordoba during the SmartSAT launch. “I thank Smart for all the assistance they extended to reconnect Southern Leyte, and we hope that with this new service and set of satellite devices, our close coordination continues,” he added.

Back-up mobile connectivity

Businessman Philip Tsai was among the first to check out the SatSleeve for iPhone and SatSleeve for Android, saying he had been looking forward to their availability since he found about it on the Web.

“Aside from giving you connection during emergency situations, SmartSAT would also be handy when I go to remote areas for mountain climbing and other activities,” Tsai said.

Asian Aerospace special accounts manager Piero Rodriguez considers the devices as reliable back-up to maintain constant communication.

“Since we are in the aviation business, we go to a lot of areas with compromised cellular coverage. These satellite devices will allow our pilots to remain in touch for our operations, or when they simply need to communicate something important,” Rodriguez said.

For Joselito Francisco, who works in a maintenance firm, the stand-alone satellite phone, XT, is perfect for times when he goes sailing the open seas. “When I saw the ad in the newspaper, I was immediately compelled to see how it works and get one for myself,” he said.

Affordable satellite communication

Using the SatSleeve or the XT, a voice call from a remote area costs about $0.57 (or about P25) per minute to Smart, Sun and PLDT numbers, and $0.80 (or about P35) per minute to other networks. SmartSAT users may also make international calls for as low $0.57 or about P25 per minute.

On the other hand, SMS service costs $0.23 (or about 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 will be available to subscribers.

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