I bought it from www.satphone.co.uk and am quite happy with their service and response.
For the WIFI part you can use ANY WIFI device. It does not have to be an iPhone or iPad. For the Thuraya app to configure and call using the Satsleeve, you need an iPhone 5s (or maybe a 4/4s but haven’t tried) which connects via bluetooth to the same Satsleeve. This cannot be something else. The WIFI accepts only 1 client but it doesn’t care what kind of client it is.
Thanks, AeroPlus … but satphone does not have the iPhone 5 version on their website!
Thank you! Did not see that … :-)
Product page
Land Voice
Thuraya SatSleeve
Thuraya XT
Thuraya XT-DUAL
Thuraya PCO
Thuraya Payphone
Land Data
1.Are there different Thuraya SatSleeve models available?
To date, Thuraya has launched two versions of the SatSleeve models. The first generation was launched in March 2013 and provided call and SMS functionality in satellite mode. The second generation SatSleeve, launched in September 2013, replaces the first model. In addition to call and SMS functionality this model also has satellite data functionalities for emails, instant messaging, social media apps, etc.
2.How does the Thuraya SatSleeve work? What are its features?
The Thuraya SatSleeve is a compact adaptor that allows iPhone users to turn their iPhone into a satellite smartphone, giving them the ability to have reliable connectivity beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks. The Thuraya SatSleeve works by using an iPhone App that can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. When docked in the SatSleeve, the iPhone can access email and popular social media and messaging apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and WhatsApp among many others. Thuraya SatSleeve 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.
3.Which iPhone models can be used with the Thuraya SatSleeve?
The Thuraya SatSleeve is compatible with the iPhone 4/4S and 5/5S. The first generation model of the Thuraya SatSleeve has an adaptor for iPhone 4/4S inside the package, while the second generation model has an adaptor for iPhone 5/5S inside the package. However, the adaptors can be bought separately from Thuraya Service Partners.
4.Where can I download the Thuraya SatSleeve App?
The SatSleeve App can be downloaded for free from the Apple App store directly through your iPhone.
5.What network does the Thuraya SatSleeve run on?
The Thuraya SatSleeve works in satellite mode throughout Thuraya’s entire coverage network which cover two thirds of the globe, across 159 countries.
6.What is the data speed of the Thuraya SatSleeve?
The Thuraya SatSleeve provides 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, please note that satellite data speeds are not as fast as 3G or 4G terrestrial networks. Data download speeds 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:
?Select a Thuraya Access Point Name (APN) with built-in compression (go to SatSleeve Settings > GmPRS)
?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.: Text Browser https://itunes.apple.com/app/text-browser/id550431757?mt=8 or use websites that convert webpages into text-only pages, e.g.: http://www.google.com/gwt/n, or http://www.textise.net
7.Does the iPhone work on terrestrial networks when it is docked in the Thuraya SatSleeve?
Yes it does. Your iPhone can still be used to make non-satellite calls and to access the Internet while being docked in the SatSleeve, which also serves as a back-up battery charger.
8.Which SIM card can be used in the Thuraya SatSleeve?
The Thuraya SatSleeve can be used across the Thuraya network either with a Thuraya SIM card or with a standard GSM SIM card from over 350 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 enables you to enjoy ubiquitous satellite coverage even in the most remote environments that are not served or under-served by terrestrial networks.
9.During an active call with the Thuraya SatSleeve, sometimes the “Hold” and “SMS” button are greyed out, why?
Calls that are made within the Thuraya network (e.g. from SatSleeve to SatSleeve or to a Thuraya XT satellite phone) do not support SMS while in an active call and do not support conference calls. However, the Hold and SMS features will be available when one party is a landline or GSM phone.
10.Can I use the charging function of the Thuraya SatSleeve for the iPhone during calls and during data usage?
No, the iPhone charging function from the SatSleeve is not available during active calls or data usage.
11.What are the dimensions and weight of the Thuraya SatSleeve?
?The dimensions of SatSleeve’s main unit is138 x 69 × 20 mm (h x w x d) and weighs 171g.
?The iPhone 4/4S adaptor measures 138 × 69 × 12 mm (h x w x d) and weighs 27g.
?The iPhone 5/5S adaptor measures 142 × 69 × 13 mm (h x w x d) and weighs 49g.
12.What is included in the Thuraya SatSleeve package?
The package contains the Thuraya SatSleeve’s main unit, an adapter for iPhone 5/5S (adaptors for iPhone 4/4S are available separately), battery, travel charger (with four adapters for EU, UK, CN/JP, AUS), USB cable, a user manual in 14 languages, warranty card and an accessories info sheet.
13.Does the Thuraya SatSleeve have its own microphone and speaker?
Yes, the Thuraya SatSleeve comes with its own microphone and speaker.
14.How long does the battery last?
The Thuraya SatSleeve’s standby time is up to 36 hours, with talk time of up to 3 hours.
15.How long does it take to charge the Thuraya SatSleeve?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge an empty Thuraya SatSleeve.
16.How to know when the battery of the Thuraya SatSleeve is fully charged without having the iPhone App open?
The LED on the Thuraya SatSleeve will turn from red to blue.
17.After switching on the battery charging switch repeatedly, the Thuraya SatSleeve’s battery went from 3 bars to 1 bar. Why is that?
Please be advised that using the battery switch repeatedly will drain the battery rapidly.
18.Which languages does the App support?
The Thuraya SatSleeve 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 App?
The language of the App changes when the language of the iPhone is changed.
20.What is an Info Message?
An Info Message or Cell Broadcast is a network service message that provides certain types of information via SMS in a specific region. Please note that this service is currently not available on the Thuraya network.
21.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” (ie, 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 Thuraya SatSleeve to receive its GPS position.
22.How can I receive calls when the iPhone is not docked and paired?
The main unit of the Thuraya SatSleeve has a vibration alert to indicate incoming calls. You can accept incoming calls using the SOS button and you can even make a call without your iPhone docked in the Thuraya SatSleeve because the main unit has a microphone and speaker. To end any calls, press the emergency button again.
23.How can I receive incoming calls when the iPhone is docked and paired but the App is not open?
The main unit of the Thuraya SatSleeve will have a vibration alert to indicate incoming calls. All you have to do is open the App and then accept the call.
24.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.
25.Do I have to pair the Thuraya SatSleeve with the iPhone every time I switch them on?
Normally the units have only to be paired one time, the units will then pair automatically the next time.
26.Can I connect multiple iPhones to the Thuraya SatSleeve in parallel?
No, only one unit can be connected.
27.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.
28.What is the maximum WiFi range of the SatSleeve?
The Wifi range indoors is up to 20 meters and outdoors it is up to 50 meters.
29.How long does it take to fully charge the iPhone using the SatSleeve?
It takes 4 hours to fully charge the iPhone using the SatSleeve as a backup.
30.Can I use the data mode of the SatSleeve without being paired via Bluetooth?
No, in order to access the SatSleeve App on the iPhone you need to be paired via Bluetooth.
One huge issue with wifi in the air, or on a boat, or anywhere where the connectivity ultimately comes via a satellite link, is how do you stop the various app etc updates that will take place – because the client just sees a wifi (standard network) connection, has no idea that it is costing somebody a fortune, and will try to download many MB of data.
Examples include
IOS updates
Windows updates
Adobe Acrobat updates
Java updates
Browser updates (Firefox, etc)
IOS device “chatter” with Apple
Loads of apps go online silently
Many of these are fairly easy to configure to stop completely (if you know your way around the client O/S, etc) but the no-updates config is almost never the default installation position.
And some are damn hard or impossible; for example the IOS chatter cannot be stopped – short of a jailbreak. I bet Android does the same. On the plus side, the data volume is small and Thuraya’s “GMPRS” billing rate per MB makes this particular thing a non issue.
A while ago I was looking at some wifi / satellite products intended for the sailing market, where that functionality is very common – especially at the upper end where 5 or 6 digits are spent on the gear. These invariably contain a firewall which blocks all outgoing packets except those specifically permitted. So e.g. one would block microsoft.com, adobe.com, apple.com, java.com, etc. So a lot of people have been up this road before.
I wonder how the Thuraya wifi gateway deals with this.
The issue has largely gone away on terrestrial cellular networks because so many people have contracts with included data, and anyway most mobile device apps will not download large updates over 3G. It is only if you use the phone as a wifi access point that the device connecting to that wifi will think it is on a free local network and will try to go mad – but very few people use their phones in that way. It still remains a good way to get screwed if you use a PAYG phone as a wifi AP, and it’s a lesson you learn fast 
But that is exactly how most casual satphone users use their phones – PAYG and paying per MB!
You can configure this in the Thuraya app and your iPhone plus iPad settings.
You mean the Satsleeve has a built in firewall, with blocking at domain level?
The IOS chatter (the O/S and apps reporting back to Apple, checking for updates, etc) cannot be stopped. You can stop it actually downloading the big O/S updates.
However if you provide wifi then whoever connects to it could trash your Thuraya account 
So this has to be for your own use only, or for passengers whose devices you have somehow inspected.
That’s the thing that worries me and seems to be addressed in the ADL110-120: loading (and paying!) lots of useless data, so a waste of time and call charges, rather than just loading the radar picture or TAF/METAR. Especially if the Iphone is your main phone, you don’t want to start fiddling with firewalls or settings every time you go flying and then re-set it for everyday use.
