Cinterion Wireless Modules, a supplier of cellular M2M communication modules and Airo Wireless, a dealer in supplying ruggedized Windows Mobile cell phones for Field Force and Sales Force Automation, have stated that they have entered into partnership on the first intrinsically safe industrial PDA handset – the Airo A25is.

According to the officials, the Airo A25is uses Cinterion's (News - Alert) MC75i Evolution Platform module for wireless communications. The phone is now available immediately and approved for GSM networks around the globe. 

The new Airo A25is mobile device combines voice, built-in GPS, push-to-talk, Web and enterprise data telematics, along with intrinsically safe certification UL913, in a single ruggedized handset. Built on the same platform as the highly successful A25 and specifically designed to provide intrinsic safety for ex-hazardous environments, the A25is has the ability to replace vehicle telematics, enterprise data devices, laptops with air cards, and extra cell phones at a much lower cost. It provides cell phone and push-to-talk (PTT) capability, and is equipped with super-accurate GPS, runs on a Windows Mobile platform and accesses unique and powerful business-critical functions.

Regional President of Cinterion Wireless (News - Alert) Modules Americas, Peter Fowler has stated that safety is an ever-growing concern in the oil and gas industry and other hazardous environments where there is little room for error. Airo, with this intrinsically safe and extremely rugged smartphone ensures safety and ongoing productivity in even the most potentially combustible environments. Cinterion's reliable, battle-tested, high quality modules are the perfect complement to this outstanding new enterprise device. 

The A25is improves ROI by reducing equipment purchases and absorbing functionality of a variety of other equipment into a single convenient handheld unit that operates in potentially explosive environments such as petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, coal, propane, fuel distribution sectors and many more. 

Airo A25is is equipped with multi-functional features that include a 2.8-inch touch screen, survives a fall of almost 50 inches at least 26 times, shock-proof across 1,000 miles of vehicle transport on tough terrain, and withstands up to 95 percent humidity for 48 hours and immersion in up to five feet of water for 30 minutes. 

Director of Sales at Airo Wireless, Jeoff Moore has stated that they needed a communications technology partner with proven experience in a wide variety of vertical markets with reliable, high-quality products and Cinterion became the ideal choice for this ruggedized, intrinsically safe device. The A25is device was designed to maximize productivity and also withstand potential exposure to water, dirt, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and general tough use from bumps, drops and vibration. A device that rugged needs the most reliable components and Cinterion's modules exceed even the toughest criteria. Their unprecedented integration support and carrier pre-approvals helped speed Airo’s time to market – and just in time for a surge in demand from refineries that are now requiring 100 percent compliance for intrinsically safe devices.