Satcom Direct launches airborne global voice and text solution for smartphones

Monday 8th December 2014

Satcom Direct will be showcasing the next evolution in connectivity solutions, GlobalVT, at this year's Middle East Business Aviation conference, 8 - 10 December at booth 765. Formerly known as AeroV+, the new brand reflects the functionality of the system which allows smartphone users to use voice and text functionality from their own personal smartphone number during flight at any altitude, anywhere in the world. It will be the first time the system has been showcased to the business aviation community. "The global voice and text capability led to the renaming of the product to GlobalVT and we are delighted to be highlighting its benefits for the first time to this influential region," said Chris Moore, Chief Commercial Officer Satcom Direct International.

Similar to land based mobile connectivity, the new service will be offered to clients under a monthly subscription model. The service will be available globally, mirroring that of ground based services.  "This is really turning the office-in-the-sky concept into a reality, as we can provide all our Satcom Direct Router (SDR™) clients with an option to use their mobile phones in the air as they would on the ground for both incoming and outgoing voice calls and text messages," continues Moore.

"The wide variety of available smartphones and operating systems has been a challenge, especially for a company like Satcom Direct that focuses on a consistent user experience. The complexity of supporting hundreds of terrestrial-based networks has brought another dimension to our development program," added Jim Jensen, Satcom Direct founder and CEO.

Available for aircraft equipped with the SDR™ and GlobalVT, passengers can use their personal smartphone and number to text and talk anywhere in the world. Additional benefits include availability through all phases of flight from taxi to taxi, regular use of the smartphone's contact list and service availability across multiple satellite networks.  The in-flight messaging and calls are all managed through the GlobalVT mobile app, and recipients on the ground view incoming calls and texts as coming from the user's personal number.

Satcom Direct will be exhibiting at MEBA on booth 765 and looks forward to welcoming media interested in finding out more about the latest smartphone technology.

www.satcomdirect.com

About Satcom Direct

Satcom Direct is the leading provider of satellite voice and broadband data solutions for flight deck and cabin communications serving business, military, government, and heads of state aircraft. The company is a premier Inmarsat Distribution Partner, Iridium Service Partner, and ViaSat Yonder's preferred reseller, supporting more than ninety percent of all corporate flight departments worldwide. Satcom Direct continues to advance its services through mobile applications and value adds - from flight deck datalink to cabin communications - making Satcom Direct the leader in aeronautical satcom service.

Satcom Direct's headquarters and primary operations center is located in Satellite Beach, Florida, with additional office locations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, UK, UAE, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Russia.

For more information regarding Satcom Direct, visit: www.satcomdirect.com

To view Satcom Direct's portable satellite communication equipment and services, including satellite phones and BGAN units, visit:   www.satcomstore.com