Vodafone welcomes the Western Australian Government's announcement of the $500,000 Satellite Mobile Phone Scheme.
[RS Note: Oddly enough, this PR is dated November 30; the link to it is here: qa-www.globalstar.com.au
click "Advertising and Promotions" then "Press Releases" ]
"The scheme will assist residential and small businesses in rural and remote Western Australia to purchase satellite mobile phone handsets.
The Managing Director of Vodafone Australia, Mr Andrew Bissex, said the Scheme would stimulate a faster take-up and greater penetration of satellite mobile
phone use among West Australian customers.
"We congratulate the Western Australian Government for this initiative and for its commitment to supporting mobile telephony which provides full coverage of
the State.
"We encourage other state governments to consider such an initiative to promote mobile telecommunications to rural and regional customers.
"Vodafone has made a significant investment to deliver 100 per cent mobile coverage to rural and regional Australia through the construction of three Vodafone
Globalstar gateways in Meekatharra, Dubbo (NSW) and Mt Isa (Qld)," said Mr Bissex.
The gateways are the interconnection points between the Globalstar satellite constellation, Vodafones existing digital (GSM) network and other land-based
telecommunications networks.
"With the subsidy, the price paid by customers for a Vodafone Globalstar handset will be reduced by $550 including GST," said Mr Bissex.
"And with our new call plans, starting from $30 per month, Vodafone Globalstar is becoming even more affordable for residential and small business
customers."
With Vodafone Globalstar, West Australians can make or receive satellite mobile phone calls regardless of where they live, work or travel. Vodafone Globalstar
provides 100 per cent mobile phone coverage across Australia and coverage up to 200 nautical miles of the mainland and Tasmania.
The Vodafone Globalstar service is the first fully integrated satellite and digital (GSM) mobile phone service. This means that the Globalstar handset can be
used across Australia. When in areas serviced by Vodafones existing digital (GSM) network, the handset communicates via GSM. When in more remote
areas, the phone can be switched to satellite mode.
Call plans for Vodafone Globalstar start from $30 per month. Globalstar handsets are priced competitively, from $1399 on plan, excluding the subsidy. With the
subsidy the handsets will be available from $849 on plan. Satellite call rates are available from as low as $1.78 per minute charged by the second, depending
on the plan the customer chooses.
More than 60 outlets in Western Australia are authorised to sell Vodafone Globalstar. Customers should call 1800 883 200 for details of the location of their
closest authorised dealer.
About Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with more than 65.7 million customers. The company provides quality services
to more than 1.734 million Australian customers, 638, 000 New Zealand customers and 36,000 Fijian customers. It has interests in mobile telephone networks
in 26 countries over five continents.
Note: Vodafone is a trademark spelt with an "f" and not a "ph".
About Vodafone Globalstar
Vodafone Globalstar is part of a worldwide telecommunications network backed by the resources of Vodafone Group plc and comprising 52 satellites in low
earth orbit. The compact dual-mode Vodafone Globalstar handset will communicate through these satellites to one of three ground stations in Australia Dubbo
in New South Wales, Meekatharra in Western Australia and Mt Isa in Queensland. These stations, also known as gateways, will direct and receive calls to
and from all other existing telecommunications networks and provide Vodafone mobile coverage to 100 per cent of Australia. For more information, visit
Vodafones Globalstar website at www.globalstar.com.au." |
