What happens when you don’t have a cell phone signal? Why not have your phone connect to a satellite network as a backup? That is exactly what the TerreStar Genus will do for AT&T and its the first smartphone to offer this feature. The smart asses of the bunch are likely saying, “If you didn’t have AT&T, you wouldn’t need a Satellite connection in the first place.” Touche.

But the TerrStar is meant for enterprise, government and small business customers and as an example, they are showing the device off at the very unglamorous sounding International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference from October 3rd to 7th. AT&T and TerreStar are working on a consumer version of the phone which makes us wonder… does AT&T question the stability of their network as much as everyone else?

I guess if you’re chilling on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic you’re not likely to get Sprint, Verizon or T-Mobile either…. full press release below:

AT&T Announces Agreement with TerreStar to Offer Integrated Cellular/Satellite Solution

With One Device, Users Can Realize Expanded Voice and Data Coverage from AT&T in the United States and in Offshore Coastal Waters

Dallas, Texas, September 30, 2009
AT&T* has announced plans to work with TerreStar Networks to offer an integrated smartphone mobility solution that 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 will 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 theTerreStar™ 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 United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 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. The solution announced today 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.

“AT&T continues to drive the emergence of new categories of devices and applications that are enhanced by wireless network connectivity,” said Joe Lueckenhoff, senior vice president, product management, wireline and mobility services, AT&T Business Solutions. “Today’s announcement is the latest addition to our enterprise mobility portfolio. It helps our enterprise and government customers consolidate communications platforms, reduce their telecom expenditures and have communications access on the go.”

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.

The TerreStar Genus™ smartphone is a revolutionary device, combining GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data capability in a standard smartphone size and form factor. The device runs on the Windows Mobile operating system to provide rich smartphone functionality and includes premium features such as a 2.6” touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth® and GPS.

AT&T and TerreStar will show the integrated cellular/satellite solution at the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) annual conference from October 3 – 7, 2009 in Denver, Colorado, booth number 258.

Pricing and Availability
The AT&T integrated cellular/satellite solution 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.

Customers will be required to subscribe to appropriate AT&T cellular wireless voice and data plans and a monthly satellite network access feature. Additional voice and data roaming charges will apply when using the satellite network.

Ladies and gentlemen… the TerreStar Genus (round of applause)