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Microcap & Penny Stocks : Globalstar Telecommunications Limited GSAT
GSAT 62.88-0.5%Nov 14 9:30 AM EST

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To: djane who wrote (7661)9/30/1999 4:09:00 PM
From: djane  Read Replies (1) of 29987
 
McCaw Telecom Company Eyes Iridium


Wednesday September 29, 5:04 pm Eastern Time

KIRKLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Teledesic LLC may speed up plans to provide wireless
Internet access via satellite by investing in Iridium, the satellite phone company mired in
bankruptcy court.

Iridium's network of 66 low-orbit satellites could be used to provide limited Internet services
until Teledesic's planned 288-satellite system is fully operational.

Teledesic, founded by Microsoft (NasdaqNM:MSFT - news) Chairman Bill Gates and cellular phone pioneer Craig McCaw,
revealed earlier this week that it is looking for ways to enter the satellite communications market before its broadband system is
introduced in 2004.

``The market conditions that exist today ... have created a time where it's prudent for us to explore some opportunities that
exist out there,' Teledesic spokesman Roger Nyhus said Monday.

While there was no specific mention of Iridium, industry analysts say Teledesic co-founder Craig McCaw might take advantage
of Iridium's dire straits.

``McCaw is an opportunist,' said Bob Egan, director of mobile and wireless research for the Gartner Group. ``Iridium is
saddled with debt. Given that Craig is an entrepreneur and could begin to generate some revenue and brand awareness ... it
might be seen as an opportunity.'

Analysts also noted that Motorola, Iridium's lead investor with a 19 percent stake, is also the prime contractor for the Teledesic
system.

If McCaw steps in to help Iridium, it could strengthen Teledesic's relationship with Motorola and provide some operational
experience in the satellite business, Egan said.

Teledesic's has raised more than $1.5 billion for its satellite system. Other large investors include Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin
Talal and Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA - news)

Copyright ¸ 1999 The Associated Press.
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