AT&T on Wednesday officially launched its mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) to both the consumer and enterprise markets.

The system, called AT&T EverThere, provides modern passive monitoring — with automatic fall detection — as well as GPS location and cellular connectivity over the public AT&T wireless network for use outside the home. There also is a panic button for manual operation.

AT&T EverThere connects the device wearer to a call center, which can notify caregivers at any hour of day or night and, if necessary, summon an ambulance. As previously announced, the monitor is a product of Seattle-based Numera, while Franklin, Ohio-based Valued Relationships Inc. is providing the monitoring service and call center.

With the help of an internal accelerometer, a magnetometer and gyroscopes, the device sets a baseline for each user based on observations of daily living, helping to reduce false alarms by understanding what is a fall and what is merely a routine movement, according to Alex Calle, director of product marketing at the telecommunications giant's AT&T ForHealth division.

Calle said that the combination of features, including the form factor, sets EverThere apart from other mPERS products. "AT&T standing behind it is going to be a big difference," he told MobiHealthNews. "Our expertise is in wireless and [in] connecting devices."

Consumers may buy EverThere directly through AT&T's website, at a cost of $99.99 up front with an 11-month contract, or $199.99 with no contract and no cancellation fees. In both cases, monthly service is $29.99. The price includes a charger, lanyard and belt clip.

According to Calle, AT&T will negotiate bulk pricing with enterprises, including insurance companies, integrated delivery networks, home health agencies and assisted-living facilities.

AT&T will show ForHealth at the mHealth Summit in National Harbor, Md., next week.