Qualcomm Reveals Globalstar Three-Way Handset
30-MAR-98
Qualcomm Inc. claims its new handset for Globalstar's LEO constellation will be the world's smallest and lightest CDMA satellite phone.
ÿÿÿÿÿÿ The tri-mode phone will allow users to roam between coverage areas, automatically switching between CDMA, analog and Globalstar's own air-interface. Revealed this week at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Associations's Wireless '98 in Atlanta, the phone supports analog AMPS, the IS41 umbrella standard for D-AMPS and CDMA, and Globalstar's own CDMA IS95-based air interface developed by Qualcomm.
ÿÿÿÿÿÿ On switch-on, the handset will look for a signal from the nearest digital cellular network. If no coverage is available it searches for an analog network and finally for the more expensive Globalstar option.
ÿÿÿÿÿÿ A second dual mode handset will be available for roaming between GSM and Globalstar coverage areas.
ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Globalstar last week launched its first four of 48 satellites into orbit low Earth orbit. The constellation will support voice, fax, data, GPS, voice mail and short messaging services.
ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Qualcomm, a founding partner of Globalstar, will also supply mobile switching center equipment for gateways to interface with IS41 networks. Alcatel, another partner, will provide interfaces for GSM networks.
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