Ray, here's from the FAQ on Globalstar's website in answer to your question
. . . But I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out who the market is for this system.
Q. Who will use Globalstar?
A. For handheld and mobile services, users of Globalstar will include international travelers whose business takes them to areas where cellular coverage is poor or non-existent; long-haul commercial vehicle operators traveling nationally and internationally; fishing boats, yachts and other small craft; and short-haul commercial and general aviation aircraft. Explorers, geologists, field scientists, civil engineers and disaster relief agencis could all make use of Globalstar phones.
For developing economies around the world, recognition of the fact that modern telecommunications is critical and fundamental to nation building is quickly growing, as is the realization that wealth does not create telephone density, but that telephone density creates wealth. The introduction of Globalstar's affordable fixed site telephones will rapidly advance telecommunications in the developing world and bring the progress necessary for effective internal and external development
Q. How big is the Mobile Satellite Service market?
A. Globalstar believes that there is a very substantial unmet demand for telecommunications services worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and that the portion of this market addressable by MSS mobile and fixed voice services (based on projections of need and ability to pay) exceeds 30 million potential subscribers.
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I think it's clear that the international roamer is of interest to Globalstar, but that they view the developing countries as a bigger and ultimately more profitable market.
And hey, Rocket Scientist, thanks for the work on the gateway status. |
