Public and private sectors upbeat over SmartSAT service

CEBU, Philippines - Representatives from 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 from Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

“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 National Red Cross chair 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,” shared 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.

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 PHP38,500, inclusive of a special satellite SIM with an initial airtime credit load of US$ 225 or around PHP10,000, 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.

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 related.

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

“Since we’re 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. (FREEMAN)