Terrestar Satellite Phone Coming to AT&T

01.10.2009
AT&T and Terrestar announced more information this week about their launching early next year. The two companies plan to release a Windows Mobile 3G phone called the Terrestar Genus (pronounced 'Jen-us') that will be aimed, at least initially, at business users. The handset will use AT&T's network for traditional cell phone service, and switch to Terrestar's satellite phone service when out of range of a cellular signal.

Terrestar Genus

The Genus is a regular sized smartphone, measuring 4.7 in x 2.5 in x 0.8/0.6 inches. Features include 2.6-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3-megapixel camera, 100MB internal storage, microSD card slot (maximum 16GB), and Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional.

Terrestar's spec sheet (PDF) says the device comes loaded with a VoIP phone application, Outlook Mobile, and Microsoft Office Mobile. The Genus will run on GSM (quad-band)/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA networks.

Genus Service and availability

Coverage for the hybrid cellular/satellite service will include the continental United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. territorial waters. No pricing has been announced, but from the sounds of it, Genus service will not be cheap. When you buy the Genus, AT&T will require you to sign up for AT&T data and voice service (just like the iPhoneiPhone), as well as a monthly satellite access feature. On top of that, additional roaming charges will apply when using the satellite service. Alles zu iPhone auf CIO.de

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