AT&T and Terrestar Team Up for Satellite/Cell Hybrid Phone

AT&T and Terrestar have announced that they will be releasing the Genus satellite smartphone. The phone will operate on AT&T’s network like a regular smartphone, but will also have access to Terrestar’s satellite phone system when required. When out of range of cell coverage, users will be able to make use of satellites to access voice and data in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and territorial waters. AT&T cited the value of such a device to emergency service workers, maritime users and others that depend upon reliable, uninterrupted communications. Satellite network subscription and roaming charges will be integrated into customers’ monthly bills along with regular cell charges. The phone will be available in Q1 of 2010 to enterprise, government and small business customers and their corporate liable users, but there’s no indication of how much it will cost. The companies are also working on a similar solution for consumers. [AT&T via Crunch Gear]