Telco offers mobile satellite service via pre-paid scheme

CEBU, Philippines - Smart Communications now offer its satellite connectivity service, SmartSAT, to the mainstream market through pre-paid scheme to allow more Filipinos to be equipped especially during calamities.

Considering the worst disasters that hit most parts of the Visayas last year, the telecom company tapped the world's largest satellite service provider Thuraya   Telecommunications Company, to be able to roll out a more affordable satellite connectivity service to the public.

In a formal launching recently at Harolds Hotel, Smart Global Access head Tina Z. Mariano said the company's decision to tap the services of Thuraya stemmed from the series of calamities that hit the country last year wherein the need for satellite communication was seen amid the tragedy.

Under SmartSAT, Smart Telecom now offers the SatSleeve, a portable dock that transforms a smartphone into an instant satellite device. One version is compatible with iPhone5 and iPhone 5s handsets  while another works with Samsung Galaxy S4 units.

Smart also offers the XT, a stand-alone satellite phone unit that is specially made to withstand tough environments.

"The advent of compact satellite devices like the SatSleeve and XT with affordable service rates reinforces the case to owning a personal satellite device," Mariano said.

Smart offers both devices under its strategic partnership with mobile satellite services provider Thuraya, which was forged in September last year.

The deal expanded Smart's satellite coverage to over 160 countries or two-thirds of the world, including major sealanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Indian Ocean.

Both the SatSleeve and XT give users access to voice calls, emails, text messages and data services even in areas where cellular coverage is compromised.

Each of the devices is offered in a SmartSAT package worth P38,500, inclusive of a special satellite SM with an initial airtime credit load of about $225 or around P10,00, valid for one year.

A voice call from a remote area costs about $0.57 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.

Meanwhile, the SMS service costs $0.23 per message, while data service is charged $0.015 for every 10kb. Contacting the customer care hotline on satellite mode is free of charge.

Prepaid load cards will be available for subscribers to maintain the satellite services.

"With smartSAT, the company's satellite services arm is branding out of its niche in the maritime industry and is going into new markets to benefit from satellite communications," said Charles A. Lim, Smart Executive vice president and head of wireless consumer business.

According to Lim, Smart targets critical demanding fields such as media, the military, and the country's disaster and emergency response agencies. "We are also catering to business groups and even private individuals who need the security of having a back-up or enhanced mobile coverage."(FREEMAN)