Emergency communicationAT&T begins sales of satellite smartphone
AT&T’s TerreStar Genus satellite smartphone allows users to communicate from areas where no wireless network coverage exists — or areas where such coverage was destroyed by a disaster; the phone is not cheap, and using it is costly; there are other limitations, too — but for those who need to stay in touch with headquarters even when outside of traditional coverage areas, or when such coverage has been disrupted, the phone offers a reasonable solution
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Good news for first responders and out-doorsmen. AT&T is offering a satellite backstop to its network — but you will have to give up your iPhone for an even pricier option. AT&T has begun selling its first satellite phone that works anywhere in the United States, including in wilderness areas or hundreds of miles offshore. The TerreStar Genus will run you $799.
AP reports that there are some important benefits to the Genus. It could become an important tool for businesses that operate off the beaten path, like mineral mining companies, commercial fishermen, wilderness authorities, and emergency response workers. It is not just a phone, but rather a full-blown smartphone that can manage text and data and runs Windows Mobile 6.5. Unlike previous iterations of the mobile satphone, it is about the size of a Blackberry, has a full alphabetical keyboard, and lacks a massive antenna.
The privilege of being able to e-mail from the deck of your deep sea fishing vessel comes at a price. The phone requires regular AT&T voice and data service and runs on the normal network when coverage is available. To access the satellite, however, you will shell out an extra $25 per month, plus 65 cents per minute of voice. Data is not cheap either, costing $5 per megabyte. At 40 cents each, you would be better off sending a text than an email.
There are a few other potential issues. To access the satellite you need an unobstructed view of the southern sky, and the satellite coverage is only good in the United States and surrounding waters, so you will not be updating Facebook Places from the summit of Kilimanjaro with the Genus.
It seems, though, that the phone is aimed less at the individual and more toward professional customers who need to stay in touch with headquarters even when outside of traditional coverage areas. As such, it went initially on sale to business customers only. The TerreStar Genus will arrive in retail stores later this year.
