One way to solve AT&T's network problems: Have a satellite connection provide backup.
Terrestar, a Virginia-based satellite firm, has taken the wraps off the phone that will provide this service. Dubbed the Terrestar Genus, the phone runs on AT&T's cellular network most of the time, but switches to satellite coverage where there's no other service available, such as remote locations on land or at sea.
The phone itself is nothing out of the ordinary. Running on Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, the Genus measures 4.7 x 2.5 x 0.8/0.6 inches, and has a 2.6-inch touch screen along with a QWERTY keyboard. There's also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3-megapixel camera, 100 MB of internal storage and a MicroSD card slot that holds up to 16 GB. Microsoft Office Mobile, Outlook Mobile and a VoIP application are included, and the phone supports music and video playback.
Terrestar launched its communications satellite on July 1. The company completed its first call a few weeks later, and finished testing at the end of August.
For now, Terrestar and AT&T are staying quiet on pricing, but it's not going to be cheap. On top of mandatory data and cellular plans, the users will pay satellite access subscription fees, and PC World reports that roaming charges will also apply when the phone is using the satellite signal.
However, the Genus won't be offered to the average consumer anyway, at least initially. At launch, it'll be limited to small businesses, enterprises, the government and first responder units. Utility companies, transportation providers, rural communities, and "outdoor enthusiasts" are also listed as potential users.
At the very least, Terrestar's Genus is promising because the phone itself is like any other. That'll help make it attractive to businesses and the government, if they find enough uses for the extra coverage. But if I'm in a location where there's absolutely no cell phone service, that's probably why I'm there in the first place.
