How to Turn Your iPhone Into a Satellite Phone for Coverage Anywhere

BY George Tinari

Published 25 Feb 2017

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about cellular coverage because your phone just works anywhere? It turns out this is possible after all. You can equip your current iPhone to function as a satellite phone so it uses a direct connection. No need to purchase a new and likely inferior phone, instead just check out the Thuraya SatSleeve.

Turn Your iPhone Into a Satellite Phone with Thuraya SatSleeve

The SatSleeve is a case that cradles your iPhone and transforms it into a satellite phone. You can place calls and send text messages whenever you’re under Thuraya’s satellite footprint, which is just about everywhere in the world.

If you’re someone who does a lot of traveling especially to more remote locations, you know how valuable this is. Since carriers tend to prefer coverage in more densely populated areas, the SatSleeve can easily fill in the gaps for lesser known regions of our planet.

All you have to do is pop the iPhone into its included adapter then slide that into the full SatSleeve. The SatSleeve functions over Bluetooth to wireless provide your iPhone with the total coverage you desire.

Image credit: Thuraya

A few added perks come with the SatSleeve too. It has its own dedicated emergency button. If you’re ever in a dangerous situation, one press sends a call out to a predetermined number of your choice for help. It works even when your iPhone is out of the SatSleeve.

Plus, it comes with its own built-in rechargeable battery, so it can recharge your iPhone nearly one full time again. Since the case is so thick on its own, it makes sense to throw in a battery to take advantage of the thickness. And if you’re someone who travels to remote places so often that you need a satellite phone, chances are you could probably use the extra battery life too.

Your best bet is to opt for the Thuraya SatSleeve+. While the regular SatSleeve for iPhone only fits the 4, 4s, 5 and 5s, the SatSleeve+ is adjustable to suit phones 58 mm to 85 mm in width. The iPhone 7 Plus is about 78 mm wide so it’d just fit. This model is also universal, so it works with Android phones as well.

Don’t think you’ll be able to walk away with a SatSleeve for cheap though. Right now the SatSleeve+ is selling for just under $520 on Amazon. Yes, it’s that expensive. But if you’re someone this case genuinely appeals to, you’re likely willing to shell out the cash given your context.

➤ Thuraya SatSleeve+ – Buy Now [Amazon] – $559.99

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