infoTECH News

[September 30, 2009]

AT&T and TerreStar partner to offer integrated cellular/satellite solution

(EquityBites Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) US communication holding company AT&T (NYSE:T) today announced plans to work with TerreStar Networks (Nasdaq-NMS:TSTR) to offer an integrated smartphone mobility solution. Financial details of the agreement were not available.

The new integrated cellular/ satellite solutions will combine primary cellular wireless connectivity with the ability to connect to a satellite network as a backup, using one phone number and one smartphone device.

The AT&T integrated solution is expected to redefine the mobile satellite services experience by providing users with easy access to both cellular and satellite networks through a cutting-edge handset that is both smaller and more feature-rich than previous satellite devices.

The TerreStar Genus dual-mode cellular/satellite smartphone gives users the option to access the TerreStar satellite network when AT&T's cellular wireless network is unavailable.

Qualified AT&T wireless users with a line of sight to the satellite will be able to access expanded voice and data coverage in the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands and in territorial waters.

When cellular networks are unavailable, TerreStar's satellite will act as a cell site in the sky to provide coverage to help users stay connected.

AT&T said that the solution is well-suited for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users. It can provide a critical communications back-up capability, important to public safety agencies, first responders, emergency services and disaster recovery groups.

The AT&T integrated cellular/satellite solution will combine the satellite network-related charges on the customer's regular wireless bill. AT&T's monthly invoice will include the customer's cellular voice and data service charges, the satellite network access subscription feature charge and the satellite voice and data roaming charges. It is expected to be available for enterprise, government and small business customers and their corporate liable users in the first quarter of 2010. AT&T is working on a similar solution for consumers.

((Comments on this story may be sent to tww.feedback@m2.com)) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

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