Satellite phones have always been big and bulky. They have always been plagued with large protruding antennas and a brick like appearance. Elektrobit is changing all of that, with a new and very portable, satellite phone. Even better, it is going to be priced competitively with current mobile offerings. A full QWERTY and attractive design could make this one a serious contender.
Not only will it be price competitive, but feature competitive. This phone brings with it a serious spec sheet. Windows Mobile 6.1, a 3 megapixel camera, Wifi, GPS, touch screen, VoIP, and get this, HSDPA. It will be compatible with Terrastar’s satellite network, which has not launched yet. It was not clear what HSDPA frequencies it supports, but here is to hoping for tri-band. Most likely, it will be sold unlocked, so AT&T subscribers should be able to get in on the action here.
It is scheduled to be launched in 2009, hopefully by which Terrastar has it’s network up and running. A more specific price point was not provided. Somewhere around $500 sounds about right, and would make this one killer offering.
Press release:
Apr 02, 2008 08:00
EB, TerreStar Networks Showcase First-Ever Dual-Mode Satellite-Terrestrial HSPA Handset Reference Design
LAS VEGAS –(Business Wire)– Apr. 2, 2008 EB, a technology powerhouse with more than 20 years experience in solutions for wireless and automotive industries, and TerreStar Networks, a North American wholesale operator of the first all-IP integrated satellite and terrestrial communications network, are showcasing the first-ever dual-mode satellite-terrestrial HSPA reference design handset in a PDA form factor. This innovative device will be shown this week at CTIA WIRELESS 2008 in Las Vegas.
Together, EB and TerreStar are working to deliver a new generation of mobile reference designs. The satellite-terrestrial all-IP enabled handset platform, similar in size to today’s PDA, will allow users to seamlessly and securely stay connected to both the satellite and terrestrial components of the TerreStar network.
Additionally, EB and TerreStar are working to enable device manufacturers to rapidly bring to market the world’s first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities. This reference design also includes:
– The only fully IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data;
– The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard;
– The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone based on Windows Mobile operating system, with competitive service offerings, including: SMS, MMS, IM, Email, Push to Talk and Location Based Services (LBS).
“By developing and delivering innovative reference designs for integrated satellite-terrestrial networks, EB and TerreStar intend to help solve the critical communications and business continuity challenges faced by enterprises, rural communities and the nation’s homeland defense and public safety agencies,” said Dennis Matheson, chief technology officer, TerreStar Networks. “We are empowering end-users across North America to be connected to our network through a virtual handshake between our next-generation mobile satellite and terrestrial network; and with EB’s reference designs we can provide customer-designed, tailored applications in a conventional form factor end-users are familiar with.”
Critical to the relationship is that TerreStar customers can utilize the existing reference design form factors – or – work directly with EB to customize their mobile devices based on their target market requirements. Initial commercial availability of the reference design is planned for H1 2009.
“This is an exciting moment, as EB and TerreStar are now ready to show the reach of ubiquitous satellite-terrestrial high speed all-IP access with powerful smartphone capabilities – all delivered in an incredibly compact form factor,” said Pertti Korhonen, chief executive officer, EB. “This demonstrates EB’s superior technology skills and reflects our ability to turn technology into enriching end-user experiences.”
Features of the EB-TerreStar reference designs will include:
– Windows Mobile Professional operating system
– End-user memory: 100 MB
– Compact form factor: 4.7 inch x 2.5 inch x 0.8/0.6 inch
– Lightweight
– Integrated Bluetooth, WiFi, USB and GPS connectivity
– Mass handset customization possibilities for various vertical industries
EB and TerreStar will be showcasing their innovative satellite-terrestrial all-IP enabled handset at CTIA WIRELESS 2008; booth #2902 in Hall C1/C2. For more information, please visit EB at the show, or visit EB online at: http://www.elektrobit.com.
About TerreStar Networks Inc.
TerreStar (http://www.terrestar.com), a majority-owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (NASDAQ: TSTR), plans to build, own and operate North America’s first 4G integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network that will provide universal access and tailored applications throughout North America over conventional wireless devices. TerreStar expects to be the first to offer customer-designed products and applications over a fully optimized 4G IP network.
