The Thuraya XT-LITE Satphone. Photo: Thuraya

[Via Satellite 12-15-2014] Thuraya has announced the availability of a new satellite phone targeting casual, non-enterprise customers. The Thuraya XT-LITE can make phone calls and send SMS messages in satellite mode throughout Thuraya’s coverage, which extends to 160 countries. The satellite phone can connect people who work or travel outside of terrestrial coverage, and can be used as a backup in natural disasters.

“With the XT-LITE, we aim to dispel the outdated perception that satellite phones are only made for enterprise or government users by addressing a currently untapped segment. The addition of Thuraya XT-LITE facilitates a dual phone strategy whereby Thuraya continues to offer our existing flagship product, the Thuraya XT for the professional, enterprise segment, and the Thuraya XT-LITE for the casual value users,” said Alexander Lachner, senior product manager of voice services at Thuraya.