Wireless carrier AT&T and mobile communications provider TerreStar Networks have announced today that they have reached an agreement for the launch on the market of the first fully integrated satellite cellular smartphone, TerreStar GENUS. At the same time, the two companies have also stated that the device will be showcased on October 5 at the IACP annual conference in Denver.

The new solution from TerreStar will come to the market both with AT&T's wireless connectivity and with the possibility to use an all-IP satellite network across the United States. Mobile phone users will benefit from voice and data connectivity either when in the United States, in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and offshore coastal waters through the support for AT&T's cellular network and TerreStar's satellite network on the same device.

The new TerreStar GENUS Smartphone comes to the market with Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system, as well as with a wide range of features available with any other smartphone, including a 2.6-inch touchscreen display, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a QWERTY keyboard, and a built-in GPS receiver. The handset has been designed so as to work as an every-day-use device, while the satellite connectivity has been packed in it only as a backup option.

“TerreStar is pleased to announce AT&T as a distribution channel. TerreStar remains focused on offering an integrated satellite and terrestrial communications solution to enable true ubiquity and reliability virtually anywhere in the United States to help solve the critical communications and business continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders, enterprises and rural communities,” said Jeffrey Epstein, president, TerreStar Networks.

The new handset comes in a standard form factor, as well as with a variety of features that were not available with previous satellite devices, not to mention the easy access to both 3G terrestrial network and satellite networks that users can enjoy. The new TerreStar GENUS should become available for AT&T's enterprise, government and small business customers during the first quarter of next year. Consumers might also receive a similar solution shortly after.