GLOBALSTAR OPERATIONAL IN 18 COUNTRIES
Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Satellite telecommunications operator Globalstar has begun full commercial service in eighteen countries worldwide and is waiting for Satra to give it the green light to switch on its satellite network in South Africa.
The company's entire space constellation of 48 operating satellites supported by four spares has been in orbit since the beginning of February 2000, following the successful launch into space of the last four low-earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites.
"With the space segment successfully in place all of our energy and the substantial financial and human resources at our disposal are directed toward the progressive roll-out of service in Southern Africa and around the world,? said Ben Higson, Project Director of Globalstar Southern African (Pty) Ltd.
Full commercial service commenced in February 2000 in the USA, Canada, Mexico, parts of South America, most of Western Europe, and in Korea. The Globalstar service will be rolled out on a country by country basis throughout the rest of the year and into 2001. Service will not be available in South Africa until SATRA is ready to accept license applications, which may not be until the second half of 2000.
Commenting on the delays, Mr Higson said, ?We are anxiously awaiting the go-ahead from Satra so that we can commence commercial service. The process of proceeding with the necessary licence regulations started in 1998 and the delays are unfortunate. However, our market research has shown that there is a big demand for Globalstar service from people who live or work in more remote areas, so we expect a quick take-up once we have a license.?
Mr Higson added: ?In the extensive technical trials that we have conducted to date, the Globalstar system design has proved to be superior to other similar satellite phone systems. Globalstar?s hand-held phones use the latest CDMA technology which gives voice quality better than other satellite phones, with no delay or echo, and which in most cases is better than existing cellphone quality. Also, with calls in progress being handed over from satellite to satellite by means of Globalstar?s ?soft hand-over? technique, dropped calls are minimised.?
Notes to editors:
#61623; Vodacom has a service provider agreement with Globalstar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and Globalstar satellite phones will be retailed through Vodacom?s existing distribution channels.
#61623; Vodacom subscribers will be able to upgrade their existing contracts to include Globalstar service, alternatively they will be able to use Globalstar on an ad hoc basis, subject to certain terms and conditions.
#61623; South African subscribers will be able to use dual-mode phones capable of switching from conventional cellular telephony to satellite telephony. People virtually anywhere will be able to make and receive calls using handheld, vehicle-mounted and fixed-site terminals.
#61623; Vodacom?s UK partner, Vodafone AirTouch, has a 7,5% stake in Globalstar and has the exclusive rights to offer Globalstar service in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique and other countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Greece and the UK. Vodafone AirTouch will offer Globalstar service through its existing cellular partners, which include Vodacom.
ENDS
vodacom.co.za |
