From City Streets to Remote Peaks: Thuraya's SKYPHONE Promises Global Connectivity

Written by Copernical Team Monday, 26 February 2024 18:17

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Abu Dhabi UAE (SPX) Feb 26, 2024

Thuraya Telecommunications Company has introduced at Mobile World Congress 2024 the SKYPHONE by Thuraya. This innovative device is heralded as the world's most powerful consumer smartphone, offering unparalleled satellite connectivity for both consumers and businesses. The launch marks a pivotal moment in mobile telecommunications, blending the everyday functionality of a smartphone with the exp

From City Streets to Remote Peaks: Thuraya's SKYPHONE Promises Global Connectivity
by Sophie Jenkins
Abu Dhabi UAE (SPX) Feb 26, 2024

Thuraya Telecommunications Company has introduced at Mobile World Congress 2024 the SKYPHONE by Thuraya. This innovative device is heralded as the world's most powerful consumer smartphone, offering unparalleled satellite connectivity for both consumers and businesses. The launch marks a pivotal moment in mobile telecommunications, blending the everyday functionality of a smartphone with the expansive reach of satellite technology.

The SKYPHONE by Thuraya is designed to revolutionize how users stay connected, offering seamless calls and SMS capabilities across Thuraya's extensive coverage area, which spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This technological leap ensures that users, regardless of their location, can maintain communication without relying solely on terrestrial network coverage. The device caters to a broad spectrum of users, from urban dwellers to adventure seekers and business travelers, guaranteeing connectivity in the most remote or underserved areas, as well as in densely populated cities.

Set to be available through Thuraya's distribution partners starting September 2024, the SKYPHONE is built on the latest Android 14 operating system and is powered by a Qualcomm Octa-core Kryo processor. This combination of software and hardware promises high performance and speed, ensuring a smooth user experience. The smartphone's durability is underscored by its IP67 rating, making it resistant to dust and water, a critical feature for users in challenging environments.

One of the SKYPHONE's most notable design features is its retractable satellite antenna, which remains hidden when not in use, preserving the sleek aesthetic of the device. When satellite services are needed, the antenna can be easily extended, enabling users to access satellite connectivity. The device also boasts a 6.67" AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass, and a camera system that includes three rear and one front integrated cameras, allowing users to capture high-resolution images of their adventures or daily life.

The smartphone accommodates two nano-SIM card slots for terrestrial and satellite connections, expanding the coverage for its users beyond the reach of cellular towers. This dual-SIM capability ensures that users can seamlessly switch between network types, maintaining connectivity through Thuraya's network of over 370 Roaming Partners in more than 170 countries worldwide.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, emphasized the SKYPHONE's potential to disrupt the smartphone sector. According to Al Hashemi, the device's multi-continent usability, combined with a consumer-friendly design, positions it as a significant innovation. The SKYPHONE by Thuraya not only meets the form factor and features expected of a conventional smartphone but also introduces the critical added value of universal satellite connectivity. This feature simplifies the need for multiple devices, allowing users to rely solely on the SKYPHONE for global connectivity.

The introduction of the SKYPHONE aligns with Yahsat's direct-to-device (D2D) strategy, part of the company's Project SKY initiative. This strategic move aims to capitalize on emerging market segments that require reliable communication solutions, whether for personal adventure, business travel, or operational needs in isolated or crisis-affected areas. The SKYPHONE by Thuraya stands as a testament to Yahsat's commitment to innovation and its vision to redefine the boundaries of mobile connectivity.