Satellite Phone Forum

[ciciban]

Does the Thuraya handset operate indoors
I have heard of repeaters for Thuraya devices similar to the cellular repeaters.
Thanks, ccb

[sat_phone_expert]

Does the Thuraya handset operate indoors
I have heard of repeaters for Thuraya devices similar to the cellular repeaters.

Thuraya services, like in any other GMPCS system, are intended for outdoor usage. However the Thuraya system will enable users who are indoors to receive an alerting signal. He or she can then move outdoors to start the call. The Thuraya user terminal is dual mode–GSM/Satellite Thuraya – and the user also has the option to use GSM while in a GSM network and indoors. Thuraya’s Fixed Docking Unit (FDU)- the Home/Office Docking product allows the usage of the Thuraya phone in an indoor environment such as home or office. The FDU will complement the Thuraya phone by extending its operations and functionalities inside buildings.

Repeater is a compact, cost effective solution that is designed to allow a user to access the Thuraya satellite network in indoor. The repeaters available for the Thuraya network are similar to the cellular repeaters used on terrestrial networks. The Thuraya Repeater retransmits Thuraya satellite and GPS signals to provide Thuraya coverage indoors or in areas without direct visibility of Thuraya satellites. These units also amplify the GPS signal, allowing ordinary GPS receivers to work indoors. The smallest consumerised repeater will only support one handset at a time while the larger and more expensive repeater supports 10. The application is in providing uninterrupted Thuraya satellite coverage in large closed spaces can help in such situations as:

- Need for satellite communications at enterprises' premises, warehouses, factories
- Installation in business and shopping centers, hotels, private houses
- Installation in areas of high population or personnel density
- Use of Thuraya for demonstration purposes (exhibitions, service centers, shops)
- Provision of satellite service in exotic places, such as subway stations and tunnels, on board of cruise ships, aircraft, trains, etc.
- Use of Thuraya in so called "radio shadow" places, such as behind tall buildings, mountains, forests.