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Thuraya Telecommunications Company has launched what it claims is the world's toughest satellite phone, the Thuraya XT. It claims that the satellite handheld is “the most rugged and reliable phone in the market.”

“Designed with the most advanced features to ensure resilience, Thuraya XT is the only satellite phone complying with world telecom IP54/IK03 standards by which it is splash water resistant, dust and shock proof,” it said.

The phone has a glare-resistant display with an internal brightness sensor “allowing perfect readability outdoors” because of its ability for low reflection in bright environments.

It has a battery life with a talk-time of up to six hours and standby-time of up to 80 hours and weighing only 193 grams. That's less than half a pound for people who use imperial measurements.

Thuraya's Chief Executive Officer Yousuf Al Sayed said that the Thuraya XT has been developed for use in severe environments and its splash water, dust and shock proof capabilities make it operable in the most difficult of circumstances which is what satellite phone customers demand.

The handset's GmPRS capability allows users to send and receive e-mails as well as browse the web with a laptop or PC from any location.

The new phone also has an in-built GPS-Navigation feature.

"If this new Thuraya live up to its promises then it will be an interesting new communiication-tool, for anyone that needs rugged equipment": says John R. Svalander CEO of Satellite-Communication.ch.