The Skyphone will be on display during the Mobile World Congress 2024 from February 26 to 29 in Barcelona
Thuraya Telecommunications Company has unveiled its new Skyphone, a smartphone with satellite connectivity for consumers and businesses. Thuraya, a subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), will display the phone during the Mobile World Congress 2024 from February 26 to 29 in Barcelona.
The Skyphone is the first universal Direct-to-Device (D2D) Android smartphone with satellite voice and SMS capability. It allows users to enjoy an everyday smartphone with satellite connectivity (calls and SMS) anywhere within the Thuraya footprint across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This provides customers with the confidence that they can always remain connected, regardless of their location or network availability.
Read more: Bitcoin Achieves a Breakthrough for the Cryptocurrency
Skyphone Features
The new smartphone is expected to be available through Thuraya’s distribution partners from September 2024. Its advanced technology is based on the latest Android 14 operating system. Features a Qualcomm Octa-core Kryo processor for high performance and speed. It is built to provide reliability with an IP67 rating, making the smartphone dust and waterproof, and has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla glass.
The sleek design includes a retractable satellite antenna to activate satellite services. Besides three rear and one front integrated camera. The smartphone allows users to capture their most precious moments in high resolution.
Read more: ICT Spending in the META Region to Reach $238Bn in 2024
The Skyphone has two nano-SIM card slots for terrestrial and satellite connection. Extending the coverage of its users to areas that are not covered by cellular towers. The smartphone can also be used with mobile operator SIM cards from any 370 plus Thuraya roaming partners across over 170 countries worldwide.
Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said:
“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.”
The Skyphone is meant for business and consumer use alike. It caters to the needs of various sectors and segments, such as government, defense, energy, media, maritime, aviation, humanitarian, and adventure travelers. It offers a range of benefits, such as enhanced security, reduced costs, improved productivity, and increased safety.
The launch of the Skyphone is part of Thuraya’s strategy to expand its product portfolio and offer innovative solutions to its customers. Thuraya not only provides voice, data, maritime, rural telephony, and fleet management. But also other telecommunication solutions in more than 160 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
