Thuraya, the mobile satellite operator with a record, according to a company spokesman, of over 600,000 phones sold to date, has launched a dual mode handheld phone that features both GSM and satellite capabilities. The XT-DUAL, reportedly makes Thuraya the only satellite operator to provide consumers the flexibility to switch between GSM and satellite modes wherever they may be located.
The XT-DUAL operates as a standard GSM phone within the reach of terrestrial networks, and when out of terrestrial network reach operates as a satellite phone with high call stability and full walk-and-talk capabilities supported by Thuraya’s powerful network.
“Today marks yet another milestone for Thuraya as a leader and innovator in the mobile satellite industry. The XT DUAL is certainly a step ahead in satellite telephony and a solution that will transform mobile communications for years to come. The new phone ensures reliable and seamless communications in one very sleek unit, enabling consumers to benefit from the best of the two worlds of GSM and satellite,” said Thuraya’s CEO, Samer Halawi.
the XT-DUAL responds to the needs of frequent travellers, businessmen, VIPs and consumers from diverse industries as it has a built-in web browser for internet access directly on the phone and it offers the fastest data service on any satellite enabled handheld at 60 kbit/s. It is also cased in a sleek, rugged, and modern design.
“Consumers who require GSM for their daily life, and satellite functionality whenever they are out of coverage or for backup in emergency situations, now have a superior phone that meets all of their communication needs,” added Halawi.
The Thuraya XT-DUAL is an extension of the Thuraya XT phone which, according to the company, is the world’s toughest satellite phone. As such, the XT-DUAL is also splash water, dust and impact protected due to its IP64/IK03 rating, making it a rugged handheld that endures tough conditions.
In addition to the built-in web browser, the phone can be connected to a laptop/PC for internet access and can be synchronised with a laptop/PC. As Thuraya is the only satellite operator to offer satellite roaming capabilities for GSM consumers, people on the move can choose either to use a Thuraya SIM card or access Thuraya’s network by simply inserting their GSM SIM card into the XT-DUAL. Thuraya has roaming agreements with 324 operators covering 154 countries.
The phone also has a battery saving technology to support a long lasting talk time of up to 11 hours and standby time of up to 160 hours contributing to the high attractiveness of the phone. Weighing just 211 grams, the XT-DUAL has an advanced outdoor display with a brightness sensor for perfect readability even in bright sunlight.
The XT-DUAL offers a GPS functionality that allows waypoint navigation, tracking capabilities to send automatic location updates by SMS as well as an emergency function. The phone supports twelve languages, has messaging via SMS, MMS, e-mail and fax, Bluetooth, an organiser, media center, and it supports Java, allowing external programmes to be installed on the phone.
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