Thuraya  a leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator has been selected by Smart Communications to provide mobile satellite handsets and airtime services to its subscribers in the Philippines. The multi-year deal will see Smart partner with Thuraya on a combined voice services and handset offer branded as SmartSAT. This new agreement is an expansion of Smart’s highly successful crew calling service, Phone Pal which was launched in September 2013.

The SmartSAT package includes either Thuraya’s game-changing SatSleeve (iPhone or Android) or the rugged XT handset bundled with price plans to provide vital connectivity to first responders, relief workers and government agencies during disaster recovery operations. SmartSAT will also be available as part of an emergency preparedness kit for citizens. In addition to disaster response and recovery, SmartSAT provides vital communications backup via satellite for enterprise, government, leisure and media customers.

Smart’s Chief Wireless Adviser, Orlando Vea said, “The severity of Typhoon Haiyan demonstrated the importance of having mobile satellite services to support critical rescue and relief operations. We are appreciative of Thuraya’s collaboration with us in the on-going disaster recovery effort. We chose to partner with them again to leverage their innovative mobile satellite handsets and affordable price packages to offer a strong and reliable solution that will aid emergency preparedness for Filipinos.”

Bilal El Hamoui, Vice President of Distribution at Thuraya, says, “The Philippines has one of the highest rates of natural disasters in the world. We are working with Smart to ensure that its citizens, government and humanitarian agencies are well prepared in case of any emergency with reliable mobile satellite connectivity. Thuraya’s satellite handsets will provide high-quality, easy-to-use services in areas lacking terrestrial coverage or where communication infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. The expansion of our agreement is a testament to the growing confidence that Smart has in Thuraya since the launch of PhonePal.”