UAE company plans to turn Apple’s iPhone into a satellite phone

Mar 18, 2013 09:40 GMT  ·  By

Thuraya, a Dubai (UAE)-based company that develops mobile satellite solutions, has announced plans to unveil a new iPhone accessory (as well as an app) that turns Apple smartphones into satellite phones.

The Arab company has announced a media briefing in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, March 20, as well as one for New York City residents on Thursday, March 21.

During these two events, Thuraya will showcase “leading-edge technology and a new app that will allow iPhone users to roam virtually anywhere, regardless of GSM signal availability,” according to the company’s official announcement.

The product is not named in the press statement, but Thuraya says it’s the first product of its kind, as “it converts an iPhone to a satellite phone while allowing users to access all features on their device.”

Thuraya’s new product should be great for adventurous people who generally find themselves without a signal when traveling across wild areas of our planet. Hopefully, the gear won’t be as expensive as the iPhone itself.