SmartSAT and Thuraya SatSleeve. Photo: Smart Communications

[Via Satellite 02-21-2014] Smart Communications has selected Thuraya Telecommunications Company to provide mobile satellite handsets and airtime services to subscribers in the Philippines. This multiyear agreement will produce a combined voice services and handset offer called SmartSAT, an extension of Smart’s crew calling service Phone Pal.

The package will include either Thuraya’s SatSleeve or the XT handset to provide connectivity to first responders, relief workers and government agencies during disaster recovery operations. SmartSAT will also be available as part of an emergency preparedness kit for citizens, and will provide communications backup via satellite for enterprise, government, leisure and media customers.

“The severity of Typhoon Haiyan demonstrated the importance of having mobile satellite services to support critical rescue and relief operations,” said Orlando Vea, Smart’s chief wireless adviser. “We are appreciative of Thuraya’s collaboration with us in the on-going disaster recovery effort. We chose to partner with them again to leverage their innovative mobile satellite handsets and affordable price packages to offer a strong and reliable solution that will aid emergency preparedness for Filipinos.”