Thuraya

* "Hughes" and "Ascom" handsets are generally the same, with minor differences in the keypads. Ascom is Swiss made, Hughes models are made in Mexico. * Thuraya's satelitte coverage is regional, covering the middle east, and parts of asia. * It has a GSM mode, where GSM service is available. * In Sat mode, thurayas need a clear line of sight to the sky, and generally need to be used outside, unless an optional external antennae is rigged up outside. * Thuraya handsets have built in GPS units, which can provide GPS coordinates, record way points, and transmit coordinates as SMS messages.