Thuraya Skyphone. Photo: Thuraya

Thuraya has unveiled a new consumer and business device – the Skyphone, a direct-to-device (D2D) Android smartphone with satellite voice and SMS capability. The phone will be on display during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Thuraya, a subsidiary of Yahsat, announced details of the new device on Feb. 22.

Users will have smartphone with satellite connectivity for calls and SMS anywhere within the Thuraya footprint across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Its technology is based on the latest Android 14 operating system and features a Qualcomm Octa-core Kryo processor for high performance and speed. The design includes a retractable satellite antenna which is not visible when not in use and can be extended when activating satellite services.

The device will have two nano-SIM card slots for terrestrial and satellite connection, extending the coverage of its users to areas which are not covered by cellular towers. The smartphone can also be used with mobile operator SIM cards from any of the 370+ Thuraya roaming partners across over 170 countries worldwide.

“The advanced capabilities of the Skyphone for multi-continent use, together with a consumer-friendly design, make it a significant disruptor in the smartphone sector. It has the form factor and features of a conventional smartphone, but with the added capability of universal satellite connectivity. Users need only to carry the Skyphone in order to remain connected anywhere, anytime. This opens new markets whether for adventure and business travel, or organizations in crisis-hit regions or isolated areas,” Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said in a statement.