Globalstar Modem To Be Used In Norsat Data Terminal
By Steve Gold, Newsbytes
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.,
16 Mar 2000, 12:10 PM CST
Norsat International [NASDAQ:NSADF] has solved the problem of a reliable return-to-satellite path for its narrowband VSAT (very small aperture terminal) technology by using a Qualcomm [NASDAQ:QCOM] Globalstar modem in the system.
The move means that the company will soon be able to offer a portable two-way data transfer terminal, downloading data from the Net at high speed, and with a slow-speed back channel available on demand.
Derick Walker, a spokesperson for Norsat, told Newsbytes that the narrowband satellite terminals will be shipping from this September. "This will in the same timeframe as our broadband terminals," he said.
Globalstar's satellite communications service supports data transfers of around 9,600 bits per second (bps) per channel. Globalstar USA, a division of Vodafone AirTouch, has already started offering commercial satellite voice services in the US and "data plus SMS" (short message service) text messaging services are expected shortly.
Under the deal just announced, Qualcomm will supply its Globalstar GSP1620 packet data modem to Norsat for inclusion in Norsat's narrowband terminals.
Jerry Beckwith, president of Qualcomm's wireless systems division, said that, while there are other wireless technologies suitable for data applications, they have tended to be expensive and regional in scope.
"Qualcomm's Globalstar packet data modem will address global opportunities where no current data service exists," he said, adding that the narrowband access terminals will be highly competitive.
Norsat's Web site is at norsat.com .
Qualcomm's Web site is at qualcomm.com .
Reported by Newsbytes.com, newsbytes.com .
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