Why Smart satellite phones should be in your survival kit
MANILA, Philippines – Coordination for relief and rescue during disasters was easy for those who were able to get a hold of a satellite phone, Department of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla said.
“You can never be comfortable these days without a sat (satellite) phone,” he said in a video interview.
In a roundtable discussion with some members of digital media, Smart Communications called for support as it advocated the importance of disaster preparedness, stressing the need for communication when disaster strikes.
“As a telco, the most basic, of course, is we try to build our networks to be as robust and as resilient as technology can allows us,” Tina Mariano, group head for Smart Global Access and International, said.
But since natural disasters have become worse these days, cellular networks can always get compromised, thus the investment of Smart in satellite services which are most reliable in harsh conditions, she explained.
The SmartSAT service features two devices: the XT or the standalone satellite phone and the SatSleeves that transform iPhones and Android smartphones into satellite phones.
The devices are offered in a prepaid package worth P38,500, inclusive of 225 units (one unit=$1.00). SMS rate is $0.23 (or around P10) per 160 characters. Calls to Smart, Sun and PLDT subscribers are at $0.57 (or around P26) per minute. SmartSAT devices can be ordered from the telco's online store.
Jonathan Huertas, senior manager for Smart satellite services, said satellite phones have been the most effective means of communication when Super Typhoon Haiyan hit Eastern Visayas and Pope Francis visited the Philippines. During these incidents, GSM signals were ordered cut. Several media outlets have also been using the satellite phones in covering events.
“Don’t wait for a disaster because communication can disappear without a disaster. What you want is when that happens, you want to be ready,” Petilla said.
It is not only during disasters that satellite phones can be used. Huertas also said that these devices are now an integral part of business continuity in the Philippines. They can also come in handy when traveling in remote areas where GSM signal might be too weak or unavailable.
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