AT&T today launched its first satellite-capable smarpthone, the Terrestar Genus, which takes advantage of the carrier’s long-awaited sattelite service for enterprise users.
The Genus is intended to be used primarily as an everyday mobile device on AT&T’s regular cellular network, but will switch to satellite access as a secondary option for voice, data and messaging, according to a press release.
Access to the TerreStar satellite network enables wireless coverage in remote areas for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users, as well as backup satellite communications capabilities for public safety agencies, first responders and disaster recovery groups.
The Genus runs on the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system and features a touch screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera and GPS.
The AT&T Genus is available today to enterprise, government and small business corporate responsibility users for $799. The service requires standard AT&T cellular voice and smartphone data rate plans, as well as a monthly satellite subscription feature.
Usage of the satellite network for voice, data and messaging is not included in the monthly feature charge and is billed as per-minute, per-message or per-megabyte roaming charges on a customer’s AT&T Mobility service invoice.
AT&T and TerreStar announced a reciprocal roaming agreement back in 2008 but didn’t reveal plans for a dual-capable cellular/satellite phone until September of 2009.
Filed Under: Devices
