SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband features the smallest, lightest FleetBroadband antenna to date, which enables simple user-installation, so smaller professional vessels and larger yachts with a requirement for reliable, high quality global internet and voice communication can enter the broadband era with a true IP solution for the first time. "This opens up an entirely new market segment - owners of smaller boats have the same need for internet etc." says John R. Svalander CEO of Marine Electronic SA, "more and more people will spend longer periods onboard their sail or powerboats - previously they had to settle for slower connection via a satellite phone or Internet Cafe.SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband widens the possibilities of high speed internet access at sea and provides the opportunity to have the internet on almost any boat. Based on the same design values and high quality build as the market leading premium SAILOR FleetBroadband solutions, SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband ensures that smaller and more vessels can experience the same reliability and ease of use that high-end SAILOR systems offer.SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband offers several benefits that until now have not been available in a single solution designed for smaller vessels.

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.

“we are obviously delighted to the 1st accredited supplier to the Swiss market (non Aero)”, “it is proof of mutual confidence, INMARSAT in us being able to service the market in a satisfactory manner, and obviously our confidence in the Inmarsat product and service” said John R. Svalander, CEO of Marine Electronic  SA.

“we have grown slowly but surely, satellite communication, is all about fulfilling and important requirement, our strength is that we take our customers requirement extremely seriously”