FROM IPHONE TO SATELLITE PHONE WITH A SLIDE AND CLICK

Available through Optus Business – Thuraya SatSleeve combines satellite connectivity with iPhone ease

The satellite phone has been reinvented, as Optus today confirms the availability of Thuraya SatSleeve through Optus Business. Thuraya SatSleeve enables iPhone users to turn their handsets into a satellite phone with a simple slide and click. Users can easily access all of their contacts in their iPhone address book to make satellite calls and send SMSs, without the bulk or inconvenience of carrying a second device.

Optus’ 3G mobile network now reaches an extensive 98 per cent of Australia’s population. With the Thuraya SatSleeve, customers working in or travelling through the most remote areas of the country will be able to affordably add a satellite voice and SMS connection to their iPhone. The Thuraya SatSleeve also doubles as a backup battery for the iPhone to enable extended talk and standby time, so users can keep in touch for longer, until they reach the next town or station.

Paul Sheridan, Vice President of Optus Satellite said , “The need to stay in touch is vitally important for our customers in remote and rural areas, especially mining and agricultural businesses, as well as government and not-for-profit organisations, whose teams in the field need to remain in contact.

“Thuraya SatSleeve provides cost-effective satellite connectivity for Optus Business customers with iPhone users, combined with ease of access to all of their important contacts without having to carry multiple devices.”

Safety in remote areas is paramount, so the Thuraya SatSleeve features an SOS button that allows users to make a call to a pre-programmed number of their choice, even if the iPhone is not connected to the SatSleeve.

Connecting to Thuraya satellites, customers will be able to get satellite phone coverage right across Australia, Asia, Middle East, Europe and most of Africa with one integrated device. The Thuraya SatSleeve snaps onto the back of an iPhone 4 or 4S and can be quickly activated via the SatSleeve app, available as a free download from the iTunes store. An adapter for the iPhone 5 and 5s will be available for customers soon.

The Thuraya SatSleeve is priced at $690. For more information on availability and to register your interest, please visit www.optus.com.au/satellite.

Media contact

Derek Lau

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

Note to editors: Optus is the leading provider of satellite services across Australia. With the largest fleet of domestic satellites, Optus delivers the majority of satellite based pay TV, free-to-air TV, radio, Internet, voice and data services to regional, remote and rural areas.

Thuraya Telecommunications Company is an industry leading MSS operator and a global telecommunication provider offering innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, broadcast media, maritime, military and humanitarian NGO. For more information visit www.thuraya.com