Smart Communications Inc. now offers SatSleeve, a satellite-powered communication service that turns your ordinary iPhones and Samsung smartphones into powerful satellite phones.
Under its SmartSAT program, SatSleeve is a case that transforms a smartphone into an instant satellite device. The offering comes in three versions − one works with an iPhone 5 and iPhone 5 handsets, while the other one is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4 units.
Smart also launched the XT model, a stand-alone satellite phone that is designed for the rugged environment such as the mountains, mining areas and forests.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Thuraya Telecommunications Company is the partner of Smart in providing combined voice services and handset offers under the SmartSAT brand.
The package includes either the SatSleeve (iPhone or Android) or XT handset bundled with price plans aimed at providing connections to quick reaction teams, relief workers and government agencies during disaster recovery operations. SmartSAT can also be utilized as an emergency preparedness device for citizens for disaster response and recovery and as a communications backup different customers.
The SmartSAT service covers more than 160 countries, including major sea lanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. The package is worth P38,500, inclusive of a special satellite SIM with an initial airtime credit load of about $225 (around P10,000), valid for one year.
A voice call from a remote area costs about $0.97 per minute to Smart, Sun and PLDT numbers, and $0.80 per minute to other networks. International calls range from $0.57 to $5.75, depending on the location.
On the other hand, subscribers will pay $0.23 per message in the SMS service, while $0.015 will be charged in data service for every 10- kilobits. Contacting the customer care hotline on satellite is free of charge. Prepaid load cards will be available to subscribers to maintain the satellite services.
Tina Mariano, head of Smart’s global access group, said the rapid development of compact satellite devices has pushed the demand for satellite phones.
“The SatSleeve, which acts like an adaptor, integrates global system for mobile communication (GSM) and satellite connectivity on your smartphone. It is suitable for personal use as it complements the existing functions of your handset. It synchs your contacts, email and calendar, offers WIFI capability and doubles as a phone charger,” Mariano explained.--Source: ABS-CBN News/SMART.com
SMART Sat FAQs
SmartSat Sleeve
Can i use an iPhone with the SatSleeve for Android and vice versa?
No, the SatSleeve for Android is only compatible with Samsung Galaxy phones and the SatSleeve for iPhone is only compatible with iPhones. Please note the different packaging for the two models.
Where can I download the SatSleeve App?
The SatSleeve App can be downloaded for free:
From the Apple App store directly through your iPhone
From Google Play directly through your Samsung Galaxy smartphone
To search for the SatSleeve App in the Apple App Store or Google Play, you may use the keyword: satsleeve
Does the smartphone work on terrestrial networks when it is docked in the SatSleeve?
Yes it does. Your smartphone can still be used to make non-satellite calls and to access the Internet while being docked in the SatSleeve, which also serves as a back-up battery charger.
During an active call with the SatSleeve, sometimes the "Hold" and "SMS" button are greyed out, why?
Calls that are made within the network (e.g. from SatSleeve to SatSleeve or to a XT satellite phone) do not support SMS while in an active call and do not support conference calls. However, the Hold and SMS features will be available when one party is a landline or GSM phone.
What are the dimensions and weight of the SatSleeve?
The dimensions of the SatSleeve main unit are 138 x 69 x 20 mm (h x w x d) and weighs 178g.
What is included in the SatSleeve package?
The package contains the SatSleeve's main unit, SMART SAT SIM, battery, travel charger (with four adapters for EU, UK, CN/JP, AUS), USB cable, a user manual in 14 languages, warranty card and an accessories info sheet.
The SatSleeve for iPhone package contains in addition an adapter for iPhone 5/5S. The SatSleeve for Android package contains in addition an adapter for Samsung Galaxy S4
Does the SatSleeve have its own microphone and speaker?
Yes, the SatSleeve comes with its own microphone and speaker.
How long does the battery last?
The SatSleeve's standby time is up to 36 hours, with talk time of up to 3 hours.
How long does it take to charge the SatSleeve?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge an empty SatSleeve.
How to know when the battery of the SatSleeve is fully charged without having the App open?
The LED on the SatSleeve will turn from red to blue.
Can I charge my smartphone from the SatSleeve battery?
The SatSleeve for iPhone can be used as a backup battery charger for the iPhone. The charging function is not available on the SatSleeve for Android due to the larger form factor of the smartphone.
Please note that the iPhone charging function from the SatSleeve is not available during active calls or data usage.
XT
Can I use my GSM SIM-Card in the XT?
The XT can only be operated with a SMART SAT SIM.
What is the talk-time and standby-time of the XT?
The XT uses an advanced heavy-duty-battery which allows talk-time of up to 6 hours and standby-time of up to 80 hours.
What is the charging time of my XT?
The average charging time of an empty XT battery is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
What are the specifications of the display?
The display of the XT is a 2 inch (5 cm) TFT-display with 262,000 colors and 176 x 220 pixels.
Which production materials are used to ensure the XT's durability?
The external casing of the XT is crafted from the latest polycarbonates in the industry, which are extremely robust. Internal components are shielded with aluminum and the connectors are protected with rubber seals to prevent damage from water splash or dust.
What are the dimensions and weight of the XT?
The XT weighs 193 grams and measures 128 x 53 x 26.5mm (l x w x d).
In which countries can I use the XT?
The XT has satellite phone coverage in more than 159 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The full list of countries can be found athttp://www1.smart.com.ph/International/satellite-services/marino-phonepal/coverage/
What is the warranty period for the XT?
The SMART SAT Terminal has a warranty of One (1) year against inherent factory defect from the time of the receipt of the SMART SAT Terminal unit by the Subscriber.
- SMART shall replace the SMART SAT Terminal unit and accessories if the same is inherently defective and is returned to SMART or its authorized distributor within Fifteen (15) days from the release of the SMART SAT Terminal unit to the Subscriber.
- SMART shall provide free labor and free replacement of parts and/or accessories after Fifteen (15) days from receipt of the SMART SAT Terminal unit by the Subscriber.
- The warranty covers inherent factory defects only and shall not include defects or damage due to ordinary wear and tear, the Subscriber's negligence, misuse and force majeure.
- For defective SMART SAT Terminals for repair, the Subscriber shall shoulder the cost of shipping and handling of the SMART SAT Terminal unit to and from SMART or its authorized distributor.
- After the warranty period, the Subscriber shall deliver the defective SMART SAT Terminal unit to SMART's authorized repair center/s. Repair or replacement of damaged or defective SMART SAT Terminal units and/or accessories shall be at the Subscriber's expense. The amount includes cost associated with shipping and handling of replacement.
In case of a problem with the handset how does the repair process work?
Should a problem arise with your XT handset please visit the nearest SMART Store for us to validate the problem. If necessary units that will need repair will be sent to SMART Global Access.
Can I use any power adapter with the phone?
No, due to the electrical specifications only correct Power Adapters shall be used to avoid damages to the phone which will result to voiding of the warranty. Spare Power Adapters can be purchased in case the original Power Adapter is lost or damaged.