Terrestar Genus can connect anywhere

US TELCO AT&T and Terrestar have released a smartphone that can connect to a satellite when it's out of range of a mobile tower.

The Terrestar Genus has a dual-mode mobile and satellite capability with a single phone number serving both networks.

It will hit the shops early next year and will cost between $800 and $900.

Of course being able to get phone calls or emails in mobile phone black spots like the centre of London will be rather pricey and will require you to be in line of sight with the orbiting bird.

But both companies believe it will be valuable for emergency responders who might need access at an accident scene where cellular wireless service is unavailable.

In addition to emergency responders, mariners and even adventure seekers taking outdoor treks or mountain climbs could find it useful, AT&T said.

The phone is clearly not being targeted at the great unwashed. A train trip from Nottingham to London would see your phone connecting to the satellite three times, which would be a bit expensive.

Terrestar claims to have cut the price on satellite calls and data by half, but it is still pretty steep. However for government adopters, particularly in the emergency services, it could be very useful.

The Terrestar Genus cell phone has 3G wireless connectivity with an IP satellite network.

Terrestar President Jeffrey Epstein said the company's satellite rates are up to 50 per cent below existing voice and data rates for dozens of other satellite phones on the market.

The Genus runs Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, which is not officially released yet. This was picked because it was more secure even if people think it is a bit of a joke.

Still it is nice to see a slim satellite smartphone that doesn't look like a cinder-block or require an umbrella-like folding antennae. µ