Bennett, What you target and what you get are two different things [as many users of CHOP know when targetting lymphoma cells]. Bernie is shooting for the stars - good for him. Everything I read about him leads me to think he is one of the more admirable people this planet has produced, though in deference to those who might dislike him, I have to say I'm not well-informed.
Globalstar is bound to collect a lot of military customers for a start. What soldier wants to be running around out in the bush and out of touch, not knowing where they are? The best way for a soldier to know what's up is to have a Globalstar phone. I haven't seen military people mentioned much, but just the world's military could consume all the handsets. Of course, since the USA will primarily control the operation of Globalstar, countries such as Iraq, China and perhaps even Japan, would be less inclined to depend on the service.
It would be a bit annoying to be a Chinese military commander about to invade Taiwan and the damn phone service goes dead just as you were about to call for the attack to begin. Globalstar really needs to achieve political independence from any particular country. In fact, being an internationalist, I'd like to see them independent of anywhere with nobody having the power to cut off their service.
But apart from rural users, who don't necessarily have the money to bid the highest price for the service, there are heaps of business people who will want a Globalstar phone. Of course they will buy one so that they have coverage when they are out on their yacht, or in the 90% of countryside not covered by terrestrial service. They'll probably have two handsets with the same number - the bulky Globalstar phone and a little urban only phone.
And heaps of other people too. In fact, the only distinguishing characteristics of Globalstar customers will be the ability to pay the price and a lack of terrestrial service. Plus of course a willingness to have microwaves in your brain. Most people suffer a lack of terrestrial service often enough. Anyone who drives a car much at all and leaves the city sometimes. Most rural people. Anyone with a boat. Or a plane. Or an outdoor recreationist. Heck, most people.
Anyway, must away to a non-serviced rural hinterland for 6 days.
Maurice |
