AT&T Mobility unveils cellular/satellite smart phone

Nearly a year after being announced, AT&T Mobility (T) is finally offering TerreStar Network Inc.’s dual-mode cellular/satellite Genus smart phone to enterprise, government and small-business customers. Or it could be the answer for those always complaining about AT&T Mobility’s coverage.
The smart phone, which runs Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 6.5 operating system, is compatible with the carrier’s basket of terrestrial cellular networks as well as TerreStar’s satellite service when outside of cellular coverage, but within the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands or their respective territorial waters.
According to reports the device is set to retail for $800 without a contract, but will require both a cellular voice and data plan. If a customer wants to take advantage of the device’s satellite capabilities they will be charged an additional $25 per month. Voice calls placed using the satellite service will cost 65 cents per minute, data access using the phone’s satellite capabilities will be charged at $5 per megabyte and text messaging will be charged 40 cents each.
The device was originally scheduled to be launched during the first quarter of the year, but network issues postponed those plans.
The hybrid cellular/satellite space could see some competition in the near future as Harbinger Capital Partners’ LightSquared initiative is also planning to offer wholesale access to its LTE-based cellular network backed by a satellite offering.