WGEwald quoted my blog on the Thuraya SatSleeve and asks if the Thuraya SatSleeve's ability to drop a sat-mode call when an inbound cellular-mode call comes in is a feature. I would say yes it is an important feature if you are interested in using an iPhone or Android "cellular" phone and want to prioritize cellular calls over satellite calls. I believe Thuraya's idea in making the SatSleeve function this way is that most users prefer to use the cellular service instead of the expensive satellite service when cellular service is available. Since both calls cannot be handled simultaneously, the SatSleeve selects the cellular call and drops the satellite call.
It needs to be remembered that the SatSleeve only offers service in the Thuraya coverage area which includes much of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia, and Australia. The SatSleeve does not have global coverage.
I notice that some of the posts here are talking about places like Alaska as well as mid-ocean. Iridium is a better choice for global travelers because of its global coverage. The Iridium GO! Wi-Fi hotspot product works with iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.