The Thuraya SatSleeve+. Photo: Thuraya

[Via Satellite 06-07-2016] Thuraya and satellite solutions firm Satlink have teamed up to support the Walk On Project (WOP), a foundation that raises awareness and research funds for those with neurodegenerative diseases.

WOP climbers flew yesterday from Spain to Gasherbrum, a remote group of peaks located at the northeastern end of the Baltoro Glacier in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas. Led by Foundation Manager Mikel Renteria, the Gasherbrum massif contains four of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.

Thuraya Telecommunications has donated IP+ terminals and SatSleeves to help the Walk On Project adventurers stay in touch during their expedition. Weighing 1.4kg, Thuraya IP+ has speeds of up to 444kbps on standard IP and 384kbps on streaming IP with an integrated antenna. The SatSleeve+ clips onto smartphones and turns them into satellite phones. Users can make calls, send emails and messages, and use their apps directly on their smartphone.

“It is essential that people have the necessary equipment to keep themselves safe while on their travels. When using our IP+ terminal or Thuraya SatSleeve+ over our satellite network, the climbers will be able to keep in touch with family, friends and healthcare professionals,” said Bilal Hamoui, chief commercial officer at Thuraya.

To date, the Walk On Project Foundation has donated more than $295,000 to research on neurodegenerative diseases.