The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has made James Bond-style technology a reality. The Chicago-based aircraft and defense product maker unveiled Boeing Black on Wednesday. The smartphone can encrypt calls, and if anybody tries to open the casing, it will immediately delete all data and become inoperable. The mysterious and secure smartphone has been developed by Boeing’s communication arm.
Boeing Black designed especially for federal agencies and contractors
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) said in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission that the smartphone runs on Android OS. It offers dual-SIM functionality to let users access multiple networks. This device could easily have prevented the embarrassing damage to the U.S. diplomacy in Ukraine resulting from a leaked phone call. The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and a senior State Department officer used unencrypted cell phones to talk about the political development in Ukraine. The conversation soon started doing the rounds online.
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) said that its phone is especially designed for federal agencies and contractors who need to keep the data and communication secure. The Boeing Black is manufactured in the U.S. It has a 5.2-inch display. The company is keeping most of the phone’s security features under wraps due to security reasons. Boeing didn’t provide any details about the manufacturers or network operations it is working with. But the company said that it has started offering the device to potential customers.
Boeing to sell the smartphone directly
According to The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)’s website, the smartphone can be configured to connect with satellites or biometric sensors. Boeing Black can operate on GSM, WCDMA and LTE frequencies, and has built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Boeing spokeswoman Rebecca Yeamans said that the company has been working on this smartphone for the past 36 months. According to the letter to FCC, the device will be sold directly by Boeing or its agents.
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) shares skidded 0.1% in pre-market trading Thursday to $126.49.
