Cat phones, a leader in durable devices for challenging environments, has announced the availability of the Cat S48c rugged smartphone with U.S. wireless provider Verizon. The Cat S48c is designed to keep working even in tough environments, offering exceptional performance when needed most.

The Cat S48c is now available to all Verizon Business and Enterprise customers for $249.99 with a two-year contract or $599.99 retail. In addition to being available to all Verizon Business and Enterprise customers, Verizon customers will be able to purchase the Cat S48c directly from www.catphones.com from the end of January.

The Cat S48c is designed with durability at its core. Its heavy-duty rugged credentials including IP68 water and dust proof, MIL SPEC 810G and Non-incendive Class I, Division 2 ensure it can withstand drops, dust, vibration, extreme temperatures, and some hazardous work environments. It can be submerged in up to four feet of water for 35 minutes, and its 13 MP camera can take underwater pictures whether on site, in the great outdoors, or on vacation.

The company says the rugged Cat S48c offers better value for money, particularly for Business and Enterprise customers that employ individuals in rugged conditions or who do remote field work, by reducing additional repair costs and extending the useful life of the phone. The Cat S48c is also protected with Cat phone's comprehensive two-year warranty that replaces screen damage within the warranty period free of charge.

"We are seeing an increase in the demand for rugged devices from those customers who need a smartphone that will withstand the toughest conditions and Verizon is committed to providing the most durable devices available," said James Hammond, Director of Business Devices at Verizon. "Cat is well known for delivering best-in-class products designed for the rigors of the most challenging environments and we're excited to include the Cat S48c on the Verizon network."

Cat phones are built from the ground up for individuals who work in demanding environments across a range of industries or who take part in recreational activities where their mobile phone is routinely exposed to stressful conditions.

"Verizon, well known for providing the nation's most reliable network, wanted a superior rugged device to offer its customers," said Peter Stephens, CEO of Bullitt, global mobile licensee for Caterpillar. "The Cat S48c proved to be the perfect device for Verizon customers, as its unmatched durability promises reliability under most any condition while Verizon's network ensures connectivity is never an issue."

The Cat S48c's powerful 4000mAh battery provides up to 30 hours 3G talk time, ideal for days with no access to charging capabilities. A dedicated, programmable key allows for easy push-to-talk capabilities or instant access to the camera, flashlight, or a preferred app.

Additional key specifications of the Cat S48c include:

5" FHD screen protected with tough Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and screen protection guarantee

MIL-SPEC 810G

Touchscreen can be used with gloves or wet hands2

Works in extreme temperatures, -13⁰F to 131⁰F

Android Oreo (with upgrade to P)

13MP rear camera W/Flash, 5MP front camera

Two-year warranty

64GB ROM Flash, 4GB RAM (extended storage up to 128GB via microSD card)

Qualcomm SDM630 chipset Octacore 2.2GHz processor

VoLTE capable

Dedicated assignable button for favorite apps or push-to-talk

Non-incendive Class I, Division 2, Group A-D, T4 hazardous locations (areas where flammable gas or flammable vapor from liquid may be present)

In addition to being available to all Verizon Business and Enterprise customers, Verizon customers can purchase the Cat S48c directly from www.catphones.com.