Cingular Go Phone: Thuraya 7100 Hughes Satellite Phone With GSM+GPS Review

This is easily the smallest satphone I have ever used. It is only slightly larger than a 2008 model cell phone. Well made but also lacks the rubber armor of the Iridium units. I rated this 4 stars due to cracking the case easily. The plastic is fairly durable but for a rugged satphone get the Iridium 9505A. If you need discrete and easy to hide on your person, then get this one. This unit works well when you must look like a local and still conceal:comms, weapons and personal gear while traveling. Small buttons and display could be a problem for some people. If you need small, though this is perfect. Fixed antenna is a plus, not as easy to break off this way. Battery is small, but doesn't seem to effect usage times compared to larger units. Great audio clarity and with an earpiece and placed in a pocket, this looks like a cell phone in the Middle East. Charging jack is a smaller diameter than most adapters found at Radio Shack or some off the wall electronics store. This could be an issue if you lose the one it comes with. Great little satphone, if you are ok with the small size and don't smash it against some solid object. To its credit, mine still works with a cracked case and cover over the display.

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Product Description:
Satellite+GSM+GPSThuraya's satellite service enables you to make and receive calls from anywhere in 99 countries over three continents, and in places that are not covered by local terrestrial telecom network. If you wish to call some person, and you are out of the local network, your satellite call will be sent up in space to Thuraya's satellite, then relayed to the Thuraya primary gateway. Thuraya provides a satellite telecommunications platform based on GSM which enables the Thuraya system to support roaming as defined by GSM and necessitates. the establishment of roaming links with all GSM operators worldwide. This coordination allows GSM subscribers to use the Thuraya network whenever they roam into Thuraya footprints, and give Thuraya direct customers access to use other GSM networks. With Thuraya's roaming capabilities, GSM subscribers will no longer suffer from 'No Service' whenever their home GSM operator service fails because they will switch automatically and be able to roam on Thuraya's network.A global positioning receiver, such as the one used in the Thuraya terminal functions by using coordinates between the receiver and a set of satellite, to provide information, and address, on the physical location of the phone user anywhere on the globe. Presently the most widely used location determination technology utilizes the benchmark Global positioning System. The system, an array of twenty-four satellites, which orbit the globe, sends out a continuous stream of signals to the surface of the earth that enables the receiver to determine its position. Essentially GPS provides everyplace on earth with its unique address. Its applications are almost limitless-vessels, delivery vehicles, emergency fleets, taxis, planes, surveying operations and many more. GPS is also used a navigational tool, a compass, to help you venture in unmapped or unchartered areas. Wirth the help of GPS you will know exactly where you are at any time of the globe. .