AT&T Introduces Satellite-Enabled Smart Phone 140
crimeandpunishment writes "Here's one way to deal with spotty cell phone coverage: backstop the network on a satellite. AT&T is now selling its first satellite-enabled smart phone....which could be invaluable for boaters, forest rangers, and others who regularly leave regular cellular coverage areas. But the TerreStar Genus comes with a hefty price tag: $799.....and the data costs are as sky-high as the satellite....400 times more than a standard plan. It also has to have a clear view of the southern sky, which means it can only be used outdoors."
DirecWay to the rescue! (Score:3, Interesting)
Why hasn't someone created a device like this that uses the widely available direcway/blue sky technology? Given the maximum per channel bandwidth and the relatively small needs of a voice communication device it seems like a fairly low power device should be able to function with acceptable psnr.
Texting (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Texting (Score:5, Interesting)
Anyone remember Iridium? (Score:3, Interesting)
In the late the late 80s, Motorola had a scheme to launch 77 LEO satellites to provide global satellite coverage. I thought it was a great idea at the time, and bought a bunch of Motorola stock. It didn't work out very well. They eventually launched 66 satellites, but didn't change the name of the project to whatever has atomic number 66.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium_satellite_constellation [wikipedia.org]
uh no (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Yawn... (Score:3, Interesting)
I never said it was, AC. Never said it was a good deal, either.
Actually according to the link you provided it's $15/month access fee, plus $0.99 per minute, plus $595 for the phone itself (it's "on sale", regularly $699). I'm sure there are plenty of other charges you only find out about once you sign up too, just like every other telecommunications deal.
Re:Anyone remember Iridium? (Score:4, Interesting)
The US government loves it. They are a major customer. No surprise, they have people operating in areas that have shit cell coverage and they want to maintain communication.
Re:DirecWay to the rescue! (Score:2, Interesting)
Way cheaper than Iridium for Boaters (Score:2, Interesting)
At 40 cents a minute, it is way cheaper than all other Sat phones, and would be great for marine use.
Too bad they will only target the US, that leaves any cruising boats out of the picture once they venture away from the shores of the US (_sigh_).
Re:Yay this is awsome. (Score:3, Interesting)
As long as someone else pays the bill...like the government (ie forest ranger)
I don't mean to pick, and basically agree with you... but, presumably, forest rangers work in a forest. Forget cell, it doesn't go through trees... and if you have a view of the southern sky, you're probably in a desert not a forest. Forest rangers need good RF, not cell or satellite. I speak, of course, without knowing anything about which I speak.