Optus delivers 100% mobile coverage with Satsleeve

Optus Satellite claims 100% mobile coverage is now available across Australia where line of sight to the satellite exists with the availability of Thuraya’s new generation of SatSleeve models, the SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot.

SatSleeve+ connects to a range of iOS or Android devices from Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony and Huawei, enabling users to turn their handset into a satellite phone via a free SatSleeve Hotspot app.

The models use Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth allowing Bluetooth accessories such as vehicle hands-free systems and headsets to be used when making satellite calls.

“In a country as vast as ours, living and working in remote areas is increasingly common,” said Paul Sheridan, vice president of Optus Satellite.

“We know that the resources and mining sector boom has seen large workforces stationed in remote locations. With a SatSleeve, people can stay in touch when outside of mobile range.”

The SatSleeve allows calls to a mobile number from a user’s contacts, and if users are out of mobile range, the call will be diverted to the satellite phone free of charge, with the diversion set up from a simple, one-off process.

Optus Satellite said the SatSleeve was launched in 2013 and pioneered ‘bring your own device’ to the satellite industry.

The SatSleeve Hotspot also acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot service to deliver voice calls, as well as SMS and enhanced data to a smartphone or tablet.

“It acts like the home Wi-Fi, but delivers connectivity via satellite rather than a fixed line,” said Sheridan.

Optus Satellite said businesses in the transport and logistics, construction, resources, forestry and agricultural sectors as well as government departments continue to adopt the SatSleeves.

For more information, go to www.optus.com.au/satellite.