Under this service, Smart also offers the SatSleeve, a portable dock that transforms smartphone into an instant satellite device. There's a SatSleeve for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s and another one that is compatible for Samsung Galaxy S4 units. Smart also offers the XT, a stand-alone satellite phone unit that is specially made to withstand tough environments.
Users of SatSleeve and XT has access to voice calls, emails, text messages and data services even in areas where cellular coverage is not accessible.
"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," said Charles A. Lim, Smart EVP and Head of Wireless Consumer Business.
"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 an even private individuals who need the security of having a back-up or enhanced mobile coverage," Lim added.
"The advent of compact satellite devices like the SatSleeve and XT with afordable services rates reinforces the case to owning a personal satellite device," said Tina Z. Mariano, head of Smart Global Access group.
Last September 2013, Smart forged a partnership with mobile satellite services provider Thuraya Telecommunications Company (Thuraya) and both SatSleeve and XT devices are included in this partnership. The partnership widened the coverage of Smart's satellite to over 160 countries or two-thirds of the world which includes major sealanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Indian Ocean.
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 PhP18 per minute.
The company has since established Smart 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.
The new devices are available in select Smart stores nationwide. To know more about SmartSAT, please visit smart.com.ph
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