The phone is targeted towards users who frequently move in and out of terrestrial coverage across a range of market sectors including government missions and NGO deployments
Thuraya Telecommunications Company announced that the world’s first satellite smartphone, the Thuraya X5-Touch would be available for commercial distribution in less than a month. The phone is targeted towards users who frequently move in and out of terrestrial coverage across a range of market sectors including government missions, energy projects, enterprise communications, and NGO deployments.
Shawkat Ahmed, CCO at Thuraya said, “A pioneer of many firsts in the satellite industry, we are proud to finally announce the commercial availability of Thuraya’s new X5-Touch android satellite phone. The X5-Touch reaffirms our commitment to offer our partners and end-users the best products available, and the best value no matter where they are.”
Thuraya X5-Touch features
Thuraya X5-Touch runs on the Android Operating System and has a 5.2-incehs full HD touchscreen. The Thuraya X5-Touch is equipped with full dual-mode and dual-SIM capabilities and with its dual-active mode, it has the ability to have both its satellite and GSM (2G, 3G, or 4G) modes ‘always on’ simultaneously.
Thuraya X5-Touch comes with a Gorilla glass display. The company claims that the smartphone is IP67 standard dust and water protected. It comes pre-installed with safety features such as advanced navigation and tracking functions as well as a built-in SOS button. Other specifications encompass a high-capacity battery for extended talk and standby time, a front and rear camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.
The company claims that advanced omni-directional satellite antenna on the Thuraya X5-Touch ensures uninterrupted communications, offering seamless walk-and-talk functionality even in satellite mode. A press release issued by the company said, “Thuraya’s comprehensive satellite network provides reliable, clear and uninterrupted communications in more than 160 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia; and in terrestrial mode the Thuraya X5-Touch supports most 2G/3G/4G frequencies across the world. The phone works either with Thuraya SIM cards or with GSM SIM cards or a combination of both.”
Alexander Lachner, director of voice services, Thuraya had earlier said, “Creating smarter satellite phones is our constant goal and we are happy to offer our customers a new user experience that many in the industry have been asking and waiting for.”
The India availability and price for the Thuraya X5-Touch is not confirmed yet.
