Thuraya Australia Closed - No more Thuraya Satellite Phones

Big news for the off-road and remote travel community - Thuraya, a key satellite network provider, is shutting down its services in Australia. This video delves into what the closure means for you, especially if you've relied on Thuraya for communication during your 4WD adventures in remote areas. We’ll cover why the network is closing, what alternatives are available, and how you can prepare to switch to ensure you're never left without a connection. Whether you're deep in the outback or planning your next remote journey, this update is crucial. Stay informed and stay connected, even off the beaten track!
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www.pivotel.com.au/knowledge-...
#ThurayaClosure #RemoteCommunication #4WD #OffroadAustralia

[@AlloffroadAu]

What should be my alternative make your suggestions.

[@matthewrobinson9293]

i have a Iridium Extreme 9575 for sale mate if u need it. Has been good for me over the simo and VHC but i dont do anywhere near as much traveling as you do.

[@adampaul8749]

Star link hands down

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Ditto for Starlink, and get a 12V Power Supply Kit. Beats having to power up the inverter just to run it.

[@mrtwrx]

Lots of love for the Starlink here for obvious reasons but it depends on the use-case, great for watching netflix/making calls to the kids but not much good to use your mobile+starlink as an emergency device if your vehicle is on fire and the dish is on the roof and your battery in the vehicle on fire. Hopefully future Starlink terminals are more portable.

[@gabrielbarnett2994]

@@mrtwrx PLB

[@BTBSean0]

I just sorted my pivotel plan for my Irridium phone on a 65$ plan perm= mth month to month so can put on hold for 6 months or can cancel the number and reconnect nxt trip...aus mobile number so free calls to the sat phone and 30cents per 30sec call rate with 25c flag fall ...it is the cheapest best plan I have seen

[@fatmanoverlanding]

That's a shame. I heard it's one of the better ones for Australia. Though I wonder what the impact of Starlink has done to their business. As I now use Starlink. I'm sure many others are doing the same.

[@graemetowner7257]

going to be hard to replace such good set up for the monthly cost....kids used all the time to call friends while out remote

[@AlloffroadAu]

Very true

[@prettyzen2]

never used our thuraya lite bought october 2021, time goes by so fast I was surprised it was this age- was hoping to get a partial refund. Very expensive brick now. We bought ours as a mine site requirement but this was never reinforced or requested again. Thinking like you said; a PLB. More suitable for our situation

[@gabrielbarnett2994]

Satelite phones are about to become dinosaurs with LEO capable phones anyhow.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep but still a year or two away especially until you have voice

[@BTBSean0]

@@AlloffroadAu I think even longer for voice

[@heyhey1385]

@@AlloffroadAu Starlink data phonecalls works anywhere

[@AlloffroadAu]

Yes, Starlink definitely has it's pros but as an emergency communication backup device, I rank it below a satellite phone as it only provides Internet, you can't take it out of the car ,if your car for example, burns down, you need battery power, and the antenna is easily damaged in an accident

[@gabrielbarnett2994]

@@AlloffroadAu I am talking about Optus and Telstra using the LEO SpaceX network to get voice to smartphones by the end of this year. This is entirely independent of Starlink. The LEO system actually belonged to a company called SWARM who sold kits to connect to it. I built some weather stations and left them in parks in some random places as a test of the system, very cool and very reliable. his will bring voice to 100% of Australia and won't have anywhere near as many issues as Thuraya phones had. No additional cost either from my understanding. Successful tests of the system have been going on for 2 years now, roll out should start end of this year. This is probably the reason Thuraya aren't bothering with a new satellite, they know the days of satellite dependent phones are numbered.

[@patroln48]

Disappointing!! Only sat plan I could afford month by month. The phones were solid and connectivity was great, even in Victoria. I'm going to miss the cheap rates. What alternative is currently out there where you can keep your sat phone connected for $15/month? Will need to research. Anyone in the market for an antique Thuruya Sat Phone?? :)

[@whwazza]

I looked at the three satellite messenger options and the Iridium phone. I have a plb, so I'm really only looking for a two-way comms device, more to tide me over as I think we are in a transition phase with Starlink services and regular mobile phones becoming satellite capable. Apart from the Zoleo at ~$30 pm the others were $55 to $65 pm. All had connection costs ~$50. Zoleo was the lowest cost for both hardware and subscription but I've yet to chase up on the negative comments I remember reading about the device.

[@AlloffroadAu]

even though a little dearer I go with a GarmIn Inreach Mini 2 over a Zoleo and I have both kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3TCmntnmZaLb8U

[@aus_overlander]

Thuraya-4 is supposed to launch later in the year. Would it be worth holding on to our phones?

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea, good question. I will ask Thuraya, but as far as I know, the new satellite launching later in the year is to replace the T2 satellite, which does not cover Australia, so I don't think we get anything any time soon. Given no one will buy it anyway probably better to keep it in the cupboard for a while

[@spudboy1328]

I just got an email from Pivotel, with this paragraph: Under the offers, customers who purchased a Thuraya terminal that was imported and distributed by Pivotel may qualify for a full or partial refund, or a credit against a new handset, depending on the age of the terminal. Proof of Purchase will be required.

[@trevorfarrell5720]

I'm going with a Garmin Mini 2 on the Safety plan. I didn't really use the phone as much as the messaging, so the Garmin will do what I need, and the monthly cost at $20 is similar to the Thuraya. We live on a rural block with no landline or mobile coverage, so it's mainly for local emergency use. House has Starlink, but this will be a backup.

[@AlloffroadAu]

good option I recon

[@petershay2247]

Yes also did same . Best option for similar money spent.. Iridium just too expensive and i carry mine on a daily year round basis.

[@HammerRocks]

I'm glad I went with Starlink (instead of Thuraya, Iridium or Inmarsat). With Starlink, I can simply use my normal phone for all communications (voice & data), and get fast internet remotely at the same time. And with the 12V power supply kit, I don't need the inverter running when using it.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Yes, definitely has it's pros but as an emergency communication backup device, I rank it below a satellite phone as it only provides Internet, you can't take it out of the car if your car for example, burns down you need battery power and the antenna is easily damaged in an accident

[@HammerRocks]

@@AlloffroadAu I can use my Starlink to make audio calls. It's not just for internet connection. But as a mobile emergency device, I have a GME PLB.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@AlloffroadAu I'm a Starlink user and use my mobile phone via Wi-Fi calling. Easy access to all national phone numbers. Though if I was in an emergency scenario where I cannot power up my Starlink (ie. fire, crash etc), I have my PLB for that.

[@blahha1036]

I should throw my phone in the bin then?

[@turorit]

Bugger, that throws a spanner in the works for my August trip around WA. Bought my handset in 2020 and have used on 2 big trips 😅 I wonder if telecoms ombudsman can do much?

[@AlloffroadAu]

I think a class action would do something clearly sold products for a service which was about to fail any time and not even insurable anymore

[@prettyzen2]

@@AlloffroadAu' force majeure'

[@petershay2247]

@@prettyzen2 Listed as an act of god LMAO

[@Tony-it1lv]

Thuraya are planning to launch a new satellite later this year....unsure if it was designated to replace the old Thuraya 3 satellite (which is technically past its service life). Thuraya dropped the ball and should have replaced the old T3 satellite some years ago. They "should" position the new satellite in place of the dead T3 satellite but I'm guessing the new satellite is for another Geo-stationary orbit.

[@ShoeysAdventures]

I went for the Starlink, can make and take calls and the quality is better than Thuraya, plus the added advantage of remote high speed internet anywhere in the country.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Exactly the same reasons I went for Starlink.

[@eddieadventures2298]

For non-emergency calling up the family would Starlink be suitable?

[@AlloffroadAu]

Yes definitely but as even a emergency communication backup device I rank it below a satellite phone as it only provides to Internet, you can't take it out of the car if you car for example burns down you need battery power and the antenna is easily damaged in an accident

[@eddieadventures2298]

@@AlloffroadAu But hang on, haven't we established something like Garmin inReach or PLB is for those situations? So you've got at least those two layers, sounds like you still want to retain a third option though.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Yes, I like my Garmin InReach Mini 2 but also like to stay in contact via phone when in the desert but given the cost of iridium the Garmin and PLB may have to do

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@eddieadventures2298 Yes. If your mobile phone support WiFi calling, you can use Starlink to make audio calls. Or use apps such as Whatsapp & Viber etc. It's how I communicate in remote areas using Starlink on either my iPhone or Laptop. I use my GME PLB as my mobile emergency device.

[@petershay2247]

Could disagree in some cases regards Epirb - PLB statement.? In FNQ a messenger unit can get you a faster response than an Epirb Which in a case of snakebite as an example time is the key to survival. A message to local station owner could see help arrive much earlier than a message to rescue centre. plus the person you are messaging has local first hand knowledge of the area which would aid them in locating you also.. So people need to think of where they will actually be and select / use the means that will gain them the quickest response time if it is needed. Either or iether sort it out before you find yourself in the situation. Just an example of the urgency in time - a bite from a brown snake or coastal taipan can kill inside an hour. That doesn't give you a lot of time to play with. Safe travels

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes agree, but I would say in the vast majority of cases people don’t have contacts close by and if you are in that situation you probably know that a messenger is the better alternative for you.

[@jaredwhite489]

Still good options out there like iridium and Inmarsat

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes definitely just far more expensive and probably obsolete next year latest year after

[@Lordoftheflatbush]

Any info on why the satellite is down? Cyber attack ?

[@AlloffroadAu]

no, supposedly the satellite was already way past is expected lifespan

[@whwazza]

The elevated solar flare activity was predicted to affect satellites and comms so perhaps it was fried as well as past it's use by date. Apparently the Thuraya 4 is planned to replace the T2 satellite so nothing coming our way soon.

[@johnhooper194]

I’m in the same boat. I have a $900 brick having purchased it after your positive reviews and have only used it on one trip. The issue is that our satellite was launched in 2007 with a 15 year life. They were due to launch a replacement satellite in 2020 but didn’t. In hindsight with the true picture, this was known for years and foreseeable. The company is in Dubai or some where close and Pivatel as their front here in Australia has or should have known the problem would arrive since the new satellite was not launched 4 years ago. 😡

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes, having looked into it now more it’s ridiculous what was going on there. selling services for a satellite phone where the hardware is already passed. Its lifespan is incredible but to be honest I never thought about looking up the life expectancy of the satellites who power the network.

[@johnhooper194]

Hi Stephan, the fact that insurance companies refused coverage on our satellite more than 12 or 18 months ago speaks volumes - I have emergency beacons but I need a satellite phone if not for me but for helping others which after buying mine is 2022 is the only use it has had. I’m going on a big trip this winter and I’m thinking the only rational solution is to install a Starlink RV setup. My thinking is data is nice to have and with all the changes coming up either Pivatel will come up with an attractive commercial solution for Thuraya owners or I invest more and setup Starlink. The nice thing about being in the desert is no data, no emails, not Netflix etc but in case of emergency where a beacon is not appropriate I need something to reach the outside world.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes agree but I have my Sat Phone as Emergency com back up and Starlink in that regard ranks on the bottom way below a sat phone for me, not to mention price I think 12v set up with mounting would be 3-4k + high monthly fees

[@ianmoore4327]

Hi Stefan, we need a smart person out for a buck to make an offer on our used handsets and sell them to Europe or SA.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea that would be nice

[@MarcLaneAus]

There is a backpack sized starlink terminal coming in the next few months.

[@petershay2247]

Yep absolutely delighted with my 1000 dollar paperweight that doesn't even have the protector film of the screen yet ! Personally I believe Thuraya should have to buy back? One would guess thats why they have called it a Force Majeure event so it exempts them from having to do so. Stinks given your buying their product that requires their service to use, therefore without the service what have you actually purchased is an item that's totally un-useable? Under Australian Consumer Law that would come under "unfit for purpose" 🤐

[@petershay2247]

Looking a little further into this I think I will be pushing a little further as force majeure does not apply in Oz see as follows > A force majeure clause is a contractual risk allocation tool. It is a mechanism by which parties seek to manage the impact of events beyond their reasonable control. In general: Force majeure is not implied as a matter of law in Australia. Yes I'm peeved as throwing a thousand dollar item (used 4 times) in the bin I find a pretty hard pill to swallow.

[@AlloffroadAu]

not sure if the Force Majore would hold up apparently the satellite in question is already years past is life expectancy

[@petershay2247]

@@AlloffroadAu 100% agree, just for record the three parties being seller of phone, seller of subscription and Thuraya are all ducking for cover trying to dodge a bullet currently Can not get an exact answer from any party involved.

[@Tony-it1lv]

@@AlloffroadAu Correct.....Thuraya 3 was on borrowed time....to the tune of about 3 years past its use by date.

[@stuartkcalvin]

StarLink converted to 12V

[@AlloffroadAu]

nice, but not an emergency coms back up for me.

[@johnhooper194]

I would join a class action against Pivatel if they don’t come up with proper compensation because it is obvious that they knew or should of known 2 years ago that the product they were selling would die this year or next. We all accept accidents but this is no accident….

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I agree quite outrageous, I mean which customer would look up if the satellite the service uses is past it's EOL

[@brettb1141]

A new satellite to replace the aging unit (that’s now failed) is scheduled to be launched Dec this year, it’s not know if there will now be any service to the new satellite for our Thuraya phones, very disappointing, the Thuraya was a very good economical Sat phone option.

[@richardbburce8594]

dow

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep