AT&T adds location service, new ruggedized smartphone

March 9, 2012

2 min read

Designed for its business customers, AT&T is now offering enhanced global location options for mobile asset management as part of its Location Information Services (LIS) suite of products. The company is also now selling the ruggedized Samsung Rugby Smart smartphone.

LIS now includes Global Cell-ID, which can help optimize routes or schedules in real-time based on cell-ID information, even for phones that are not GPS-equipped, AT&T said. The program is ideal for customers operating in field service, fleet management, transportation, or manufacturing environments, the company pointed out.

It is also easy for developers to use by giving them access to cost-effective APIs, rather than requiring them to build their own location database for managing machine-to-machine solutions.

“Global enterprises seek scalable, managed location and messaging solutions that can increase visibility into field operations,” said Chris Hill, vice president, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business and Home Solutions. “AT&T LIS extends the API platform for enterprise developers, software vendors or systems integrators to obtain real-time network-initiated location information and return it to the business application – to help increase utilization of critical assets in the field.”

AT&T is also now selling the rugged Samsung Rugby Smart smartphone. The Rugby Smart is a dustproof phone capable of being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and withstanding extreme temperatures. It is built to mil-std 810f military spec standards.

The Rugby runs on Android 2.3 with 4G capabilities and boasts a virtual Qwerty keyboard, 3.7-in. Super Amoled touchscreen display, 5 mp camera and an integrated flashlight. Talk time is up to 8 hours.

“The Samsung Rugby Smart is perfect for active customers who need another level of durability with their smartphone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “It is water and dustproof and has all the features of a leading smartphone.”