(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) UAE residents could soon benefit from satellite connectivity for calls, SMS and data on their standard smartphones. Satellite connectivity allows phones to be used even in areas with no cellular reception as they connect to a low-orbit satellite and thus communicate with other phones or networks.
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e& UAE has partnered with Al Yah Satellite Communications Company as part of its direct-to-device (D2D) strategy. Announced last month, the D2D strategy aims to bring advanced satellite capabilities to standard smartphones, with services and applications accessible anywhere in the world. This means that through the partnership, e& UAE users could benefit from satellite connectivity without the need for the bulky devices normally required.
The partnership will see the two companies join forces on Yahsat’s planned low Earth orbit (LEO) D2D system, which is designed to provide “seamless connectivity” for standard smartphones. This technology will provide an “unprecedented” level of connectivity and accessibility to users around the world.
The company plans to offer voice and messaging capabilities later this year before releasing SMS and IoT capabilities on smartphones in 2025. This will be done using Yahsat’s geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, said this partnership ushers in a “new era” of global connectivity. “We are proud to be the first operator to join Yahsat’s D2D vision and leverage our networks to provide seamless connectivity to people anywhere, anytime. This is an important step towards bridging the digital divide and realizing our shared vision of a connected future.”
Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, said the two companies are discussing a “whole range of areas” for collaboration, including ecosystem development “as part of our recently launched D2D strategy – Project SKY.”
Project SKY is the first phase of the D2D strategy. The two-phase strategy covers three main applications: voice, SMS and data.
In February this year, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, Yahsat’s mobile satellite services subsidiary, had launched the first universal D2D Android smartphone with satellite voice and SMS functionality. Called Skyphone, the device has a retractable satellite antenna that is hidden from view when not in use and can be extended when satellite services are activated. It has two nano-SIM card slots for terrestrial and satellite connections, thus extending its users’ coverage to areas not covered by cell towers.
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