SatSleeve+ is for users who mostly prefer to use their smartphone docked to the satellite unit, for walk-and-talk. It comes with a universal smartphone adaptor inside the package.

SatSleeve Hotspot is for users who prefer to use their smartphone separated from the satellite unit, and comes with a hotspot stand inside the package.

2. Which smartphone models can be used with the Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot?

The following smartphone models have been tested:

3. Which smartphones can be docked using the Universal adaptor?

The Universal adaptor can hold smartphones from between 58 – 85mm in width.

4. Can I use the Hotspot stand with the SatSleeve+ or the Universal adaptor with the SatSleeve Hotspot?

Yes, you can buy the Universal adaptor or Hotspot stand separately as accessories to convert your SatSleeve+ into a hotspot-style device and the SatSleeve Hotspot into a walk-and-talk device.

5. How do the Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot work? What are their features?

The Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot are devices that allow smartphone users to turn their phone into a satellite smartphone, giving them the ability to have reliable connectivity beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks.

They work by using the SatSleeve Hotspot App that can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. Simply connect your smartphone to the Wi-Fi chip of the SatSleeve unit and make calls and send messages in satellite mode. The smartphone can access email and popular social media and messaging apps such as Twitter and WhatsApp among many others. Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot users can post news updates, chat via message apps with their contacts as well as send and receive emails from the most remote locations in satellite mode.

6. Where can I download the Thuraya SatSleeve Hotspot App?

The SatSleeve Hotspot App can be downloaded for free:

From the Apple App Store directly through your iPhone

From Google Play directly through your Android smartphone

7. What is the difference between the SatSleeve App and SatSleeve Hotspot App which are both available on the app stores?

The SatSleeve Hotspot App is meant to be used only with the new generation SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot devices.

The SatSleeve App is meant to be used only with the previous generation SatSleeve models, i.e. SatSleeve Voice, SatSleeve iPhone and SatSleeve Android.

8. What network do the Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot run on, in which countries can I use them?

The Thuraya SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot work in satellite mode throughout Thuraya’s entire network which covers two thirds of the globe across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

9. What is the data speed of the Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot?

The Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot provide you with access to emails, instant messaging, apps and basic Internet connectivity in satellite mode. If you choose to access the Internet in satellite mode with the SatSleeve+ or Hotspot, please note that satellite data speeds are not as fast as 3G or 4G terrestrial networks. Data download speeds in satellite mode are up to 60 kbps for downloads and up to 15 kbps for uploads on GmPRS.

For the best internet experience using your Thuraya SatSleeve+ or Hotspot:

When emailing or messaging, reduce the size of images to decrease the overall message size

Use mobile versions of websites and Apps (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) rather than desktop versions of websites

Use web browsers that offer the option of text-only browsing or use websites that convert webpages into text-only pages, e.g. Opera Mini

Use websites such as textise.net to convert pages to text-only pages

10. Does the smartphone work on terrestrial networks when it is connected to the SatSleeve+ or Hotspot?

Yes it does. Your smartphone can still be used to make non-satellite calls while connected to the SatSleeve unit. Please note that you will not be able to use data connectivity in terrestrial mode (e.g. 3G/LTE) while connected to the SatSleeve unit.

11. Which SIM card can be used in the Thuraya SatSleeve+ or Hotspot?

The Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot can be used across the Thuraya network either with a Thuraya SIM card or with a standard GSM SIM card from over 360 worldwide GSM operators across more than 160 countries.

Thuraya’s GSM roaming services offers you a cost-effective and flexible service to fit your individual needs when traveling. Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot enable you to enjoy ubiquitous satellite coverage even in the most remote environments that are not served or under-served by terrestrial networks.

12. What are the dimensions and weight of the Thuraya SatSleeve+ and Hotspot?

The dimensions of the SatSleeve+ is 138 x 69 x 42 mm and it weighs 256g.

The dimensions of the SatSleeve Hotspot is 142 x 69 x 38 mm and it weighs 290g.

13. What is included in the package?

The SatSleeve+ package contains the main satellite unit along with Universal adaptor, battery, travel charger (with four adapters for EU, UK, CN/JP, AUS), USB cable, a multi-language user manual and an accessories info sheet.

The SatSleeve Hotspot package contains the main satellite unit along with hotspot stand, battery, travel charger (with four adapters for EU, UK, CN/JP, AUS), USB cable, a multi-language user manual and an accessories info sheet.

14. How long does the battery last?

Usage time: 3 hours for talk and data usage

Standby time:

9 hours with Wi-Fi continuously on and connected to the smartphone

70hrs with Wi-Fi turned off with the ability to receive incoming calls and use the SOS function on the main unit

15. Does the SatSleeve main unit have its own microphone and speaker?

Yes, the SatSleeve unit comes with its own microphone and speaker, which can be used when using the SatSleeve unit in SOS mode or with Wi-Fi off, without the smartphone connected.

16. How can I turn off Wi-Fi to save battery and use the SatSleeve unit without being connected to the smartphone?

Go to the Wi-Fi settings in the SatSleeve Hotspot app and tap the Wi-Fi off button, you will then be disconnected from the smartphone and the App.

For incoming calls: the SatSleeve unit will give you a vibration alert when an incoming call is coming through and you can pick it up by pressing the SOS button. To disconnect the call, press the SOS button again.

For outgoing calls: the SOS button can be used to call one pre-programmed number of your choice.

Please note: to turn on the Wi-Fi functionality again in order to reconnect to your smartphone, please turn the SatSleeve unit off and then on again.

17. How do I know when the battery of the Thuraya SatSleeve+ or Hotspot is fully charged without having the Hotspot App open?

The LED on the SatSleeve unit will turn from red to blue.

18. Which languages does the Hotspot App support?

The Thuraya SatSleeve Hotspot App supports the following languages: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

19. How do I change the language of the SatSleeve Hotspot App?

The language of the Hotspot App changes when the language of the smartphone is changed

20. I’m connected to the Thuraya network but the GPS icon in the status bar keeps on flashing. What does it mean?

If the GPS icon flashes, it indicates that the device does not have a “GPS-fix” (i.e. the unit could not receive the GPS position from the GPS satellites). To rectify this, please move to a place with an unobstructed view of the sky that will allow the SatSleeve+ or Hotspot to receive its GPS position.

21. How can I receive incoming calls when the smartphone is connected but the Hotspot App is not open?

The main unit of the SatSleeve will give a vibration alert to indicate incoming calls. All you have to do is open the Hotspot App and then accept the call.

22. What happens if I am on a satellite call and there is an incoming GSM call?

When this happens, your satellite call will be disconnected.

23. Can I connect multiple smartphones to the Thuraya SatSleeve+ or Hotspot in parallel?

No, only one unit can be connected at a time.

24. Can I do a data session in parallel with a voice call?

No, only a voice call or a data session at a time can be established.

25. What is the maximum Wi-Fi range of the SatSleeve Hotspot?

The Wi-Fi range is up to 30 metres.

26. How long does it take to charge the Thuraya SatSleeve+ or Hotspot?

It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge an empty SatSleeve+ or Hotspot.

27. What accessories are available for the SatSleeve+ and Hotspot?

There are a number of accessories which complement the SatSleeve+ and Hotspot, such as car chargers, travel chargers, USB data cables, solar chargers, spare batteries, indoor repeaters, Universal adaptor and Hotspot stand.

28.What if I forget the Wi-Fi password of the SatSleeve+ or Hotspot?

If you’ve forgotten the Wi-Fi password of your SatSleeve+ or Hotspot, follow these steps to reset the password back to 12345678:

Make sure your SatSleeve+ or Hotspot is turned on

Open the battery cover of the SatSleeve+ or Hotspot

Press the round button below the battery with a pen / pencil for 5 seconds