The idea of staying connected to the world at all times, no matter where the user might be at a certain point, is extremely important for certain specific market segments, and that's exactly the customers US carrier AT&T is targeting with the TerreStar GENUS dual-mode cellular/satellite smartphone.

Although it's been announced back in 2009 (when it was also supposed to arrive in stores, but was delayed, for some reason), the GENUS smartphone remains a pretty interesting handset, featuring dual-mode operation with cellular wireless capability as the primary default mode and satellite access capability as a secondary option for voice, data and messaging.

The TerreStar GENUS runs on the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system to provide rich features and functionality, including a touch screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera and GPS.

The phone will be available via AT&T's new Satellite Augmented Mobile Service, that provides access to the TerreStar satellite network, enabling wireless communications coverage in remote areas for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users, as well as backup satellite communications capabilities for public safety agencies, first responders and disaster recovery groups.

"We understand the importance to stay connected in remote locations and especially in emergency situations, and today's announcement is the latest example of AT&T's commitment to delivering the highest levels of service, quality and reliability for customers," said Michael Antieri, President, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.

"With this expansion of AT&T's innovative mobility portfolio, AT&T is helping businesses and government agencies stay connected with a single device, single support contact and single bill," Mr. Antieri added.

The phone is available to business and government users, but both the handset and the associated services are quite expensive, the GENUS retailing for $799, while the satellite service running $25 a month plus per-minute, per-message, and per-megabyte charges of 65 cents, 40 cents, and 5 dollars.