SatSleeve turns iPhones into satellite phones with global coverage

Mar 20, 2013 15:37 GMT  ·  By

UAE-based Thuraya Telecommunications Company has released a press statement confirming that its “satellite phone” converter for Apple’s iPhone is being launched today to the public.

The Thuraya SatSleeve is the first product of its kind. It offers access to mobile satellite communications to iPhone users, using the company’s own extensive satellite network.

The cool image above may suggest the SatSleeve also works on Pandora, but knowing that you’ve got Earth coverage is probably good enough for now. After all, it does give a whole new meaning to the term "global phone."

The accessory is only slightly larger than the iPhone itself. According to its makers, “the compact adaptor provides users with the ability to turn their iPhone into a satellite phone that allows them to have reliable connectivity beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks.”

Thuraya is holding events in Washington DC and NYC this week (today is WA), and you’ll be able to pick one up relatively soon. Check out the fact sheet for a rundown of the specs. No word on the pricing just yet.