Mobility has receives a new significance with AT&T’s latest initiative in association with TerreStar Networks that aims to offer a comprehensive mobility solution. It presents integration of primary cellular wireless connectivity with the ability to connect to a satellite network as a backup by means of a smartphone.
This latest innovation will facilitate users to access both cellular and satellite networks via a handset. The TerreStar Genus dual-mode cellular/satellite smartphone will allow users to access the TerreStar satellite network while AT&T’s cellular wireless network is unavailable. Eligible AT&T wireless users with a line of sight to the satellite can access expanded voice and data coverage in the United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as well as in territorial waters.
“AT&T continues to drive the emergence of new categories of devices and applications that are enhanced by wireless network connectivity. Today’s announcement is the latest addition to our enterprise mobility portfolio. It helps our enterprise and government customers consolidate communications platforms, reduce their telecom expenditures and have communications access on the go,” mentioned Joe Lueckenhoff, senior vice president, product management, wireline and mobility services, AT&T Business Solutions.
This mobility solution seems to be beneficial for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users. Further, it offers a vital communications backup capability, imperative to public safety agencies, first responders, emergency services and disaster recovery groups.
The AT&T integrated cellular/satellite solution will merge the satellite network-related charges with the standard wireless bill. The TerreStar Genus appears to be an innovative device that integrates GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data capability. The smartphone packages a 2.6-inch touchscreen display and is driven by Windows Mobile operating system. Further, the handset is inclusive of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS functionalities.
AT&T and TerreStar will exihibit the integrated cellular/satellite solution at the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) annual conference from October 3 to 7, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The pricing details are not yet disclosed, however the integrated cellular/satellite solution is will be made available for enterprise, government and small business customers along with its corporate liable subscribers in Q1 2010.