TerreStar and AT&T announce dual-mode Genus smartphone

by Stevie Smith - Oct 1 2009, 15:45

TerreStar Networks has this week announced a smartphone deal with U.S. telecommunications giant AT&T that will result in the production and availability of a new groundbreaking handset that can be used on a high-speed 3G network and also via satellite.

Described by TerreStar as being smaller and more feature-rich than previous satellite devices, the upcoming Genus dual-mode smartphone will provide users with access to AT&T’s broadband cellular network while also delivering line-of-sight access to the TerreStar satellite network by way of operational backup.

Offered up as a layered connection solution well-suited for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users, the expanded voice and data coverage provided by the Genus smartphone will be open to qualifying AT&T wireless users across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Today’s announcement is the latest addition to our enterprise mobility portfolio,” enthused Joe Lueckenhoff, senior vice president of product management, wireline and mobility services at AT&T Business Solutions.

“It helps our enterprise and government customers consolidate communications platforms, reduce their telecom expenditures and have communications access on the go,” he added.

Equipped with a 2.6-inch touch-screen display, the TerreStar Genus smartphone will come with connectivity support for GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSDPA. It will also include the Windows Mobile operating system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS navigation.

Specific price points for the TerreStar Genus have not yet been divulged, although the smartphone has been pencilled in for an early 2010 arrival.

The unveiling of the TerreStar smartphone with integrated satellite location functionality arrives only a day after AT&T adding to its expansive portfolio by introducing the nuvifone G60, which has been created by navigation specialist Garmin.

The Tech Herald: AT&T unveils Garmin's geographically aware nuvifone G60

 

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