Imagining a handset that is categorized as satellite phone can be frustrating. It is pricey, heavy, and less friendly. However, still this sort of communication device is having its own glory. A closest example was happened through the Hurricane Katrina in 2005. At the moment after this deadly hurricane had gone away, most of cellular basestations that is being at disaster area were all down. Hence, it affected people’s GSM and CDMA-based handsets so that they couldn’t use it normally. In such situation or condition like that, satellite phone can be the answer.
But again, the lack of simplicity in design and usability has made satellite phone is just too good to be true for the vast majority of mobile phone users out there. Perhaps, in this domain of problem, two companies called Elektrobit and TerreStar are betting their gut to offer public with real device that has a capabilities both as a satellite phone and GSM or CDMA based PDA phone.
But how could it works with two networks technology at the same time?
This PDA phone, which some just said as a copy cat of Motorola Q series, will be powered with the famous Windows Mobile 6.1 OS. Gearlog wrote that this candy bar smartphone will run on Wi-Fi when it can, on 3G networks such as AT&T’s when it’s in cellular range, and on satellite networks when it’s out of range. For satellite networks provider, Elektrobit suggest that TerreStar and ICO will be available to support this issue. But note that both of them are still not available today or this year. In fact, they are about to planned to start their debut next year. So be patient then.
Phone specifications
Alex from Modaco has made a great list for this case. Take a look out here:
- Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional (PPC)
- 2.6″ Landscape QVGA Screen
- 3.0MP camera with flash and auto focus
- VGA front video-calling camera
- 300Mhz STN 8815 Nomadik CPU
- Dual-band WCDMA (850/1900)
- TerreStar WCDMA HSDPA 2.2 Ghz
- Quad-band GSM/EGPRS (850/900/1800/1900)
- 2.2Ghz satellite band with GMR-3G
- GPS (chip type not specified)
- 802.11b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth 2.0
- USB 2.0 with mass storage
- MicroSD slot
- QWERTY keyboard
- 1400mAh battery
- 118.8 mm x 64.8 mm x 19.25/16.25 mm (thickest/thinnest)
If this features and specifications is true, then chances are that it could outstep most smartphone out there that has a good brand name in this market. For example, RIM’s Blackberry, iPhone, Nokia E Series, Moto Q series, Palm Treo Pro, HTC Touch Series, etc.
Price and Availability
Judging from its specs and technology, we can automatically realize if this handset is just going to charge us more than any common smartphone that is already available in the market right now. The same article from Gearlog reported that EB’s company execs said if this hybrid PDA phone will cost 10 to 15 percent more than comparable non-satellite phones. This also means that it could be charge at $990 – $1035 by the manufacturer. For this prediction, I just picked up the price of unlocked HTC Touch Pro ($850 – $900), one of the best smartphone to represent its own class.
EB is planning to launch this semi-concept device next year. However, this Finland-based company is also planning not to launch this device by itself. Instead, they’re looking for OEMs or carrier who want to launch the phone. Well, let’s predict that AT&T of US and Canadian Rogers Wireless will dare to carry on this mission. Dare they?
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