TERRESTAR NETWORKS, EB (ELEKTROBIT) DELIVER WIRELESS INNOVATION WITH ENHANCEMENTS TO ITS SATELLITE-TERRESTRIAL SMARTPHONE REFERENCE DESIGN
LAS VEGAS (CTIA WIRELESS 2009, TerreStar Booth - Central Hall, #8964; EB Booth - Hall C3, #6224), April 1, 2009 - TerreStar Networks, a satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network provider and a majority owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (NASDAQ: TSTR) and EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V), a leading developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, have enhanced the usability and industrial design of their integrated satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design. These design enhancements will enable a richer, more robust end-user experience. This innovative wireless device will be on display at CTIA WIRELESS in Las Vegas, April 1- 3, 2009.
TerreStar's game changing mobile satellite service will enable users across North America to be connected to TerreStar's network through a "virtual handshake" between the next-generation mobile satellite and a next generation terrestrial network. Leveraging EB's creative engineering and expertise in multi-radio technologies, EB and TerreStar were able to create an ultra sleek, modernized next-generation integrated satellite-terrestrial solution that focuses on enriching end-user experiences through sophisticated and tailored wireless applications.
The latest design evolution of this integrated satellite-terrestrial smartphone offers an upgraded industrial design with a more user-friendly keyboard for improved usability, and enriched graphics capabilities for a more dynamic end-user experience. Other highlights of the satellite-terrestrial reference device include:
- Compact form factor with an internal antenna
- The world's first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities;
- The only fully IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data;
- The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard;
- The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with planned service offerings, including: SMS, MMS, IM, Email, Push to Talk and Location Based Services (LBS).
"To provide end-users with the ability to communicate in a truly anywhere environment, we collaborated with EB to design and develop this revolutionary satellite-terrestrial smartphone," said TerreStar CTO, Dennis Matheson. "The new enhancements announced today will allow end users to enjoy ubiquitous access to high speed, secure and resilient satellite-terrestrial communications."
"Throughout the development and design process, EB has been focused on what we envisioned TerreStar's wholesale customers and end-users would require in an integrated satellite-terrestrial smartphone device," said Ari Virtanen, Executive Vice President, EB Wireless Solutions. "By pairing our technology assets and advanced research and development services, with complementary third-party Intellectual Property (IP) components and powerful usability testing feedback, we have creatively turned wireless technologies into a robust, value-driven device that will enrich TerreStar's customers' experiences."
For more information about TerreStar Networks and EB, please visit:
www.terrestar.com , and
www.elektrobit.com , respectively. Additionally, you can learn more about each organization's CTIA activities by visiting TerreStar at booth #8964 (Central Hall), and EB at booth, #6224 (Hall C3).
FURTHER INFORMATION:
TerreStar Networks Inc
TerreStar Networks (www.terrestar.com), a majority owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (NASDAQ: TSTR), plans to offer a reliable and secure satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network that will provide voice, data and video services dedicated to helping solve the critical communication and business continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders, enterprise businesses and rural communities. TerreStar expects to offer next generation mobile communications through a network of partners and service providers to users who need "anywhere" coverage throughout the United States and Canada.
EB, Elektrobit Corporation
EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales for the year 2008 totalled MEUR 172.3. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
www.elektrobit.com .
Kelly Adams
Director, Marketing & Communications
TerreStar
Cell: +1 703 930 6449
Mari Kähkönen
Director, Marketing and Sales
EB Wireless Solutions
Cell: +358 40 344 5348
Email:
[email protected]
