Iridium CEO Tells GSM Wireless Operators That New Iridium System Will Complement Their Networks
[This one's for you, Maurice. GSM -- RAH!RAH!
02/23 04:17
CANNES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1999--Iridium Vice Chairman
and CEO Ed Staiano, speaking today to leading cellular operators at the
GSM World Congress, stressed that the new satellite technology behind the
Iridium System is complementary to existing terrestrial wireless systems.
"Together, we can provide worldwide, ubiquitous coverage under one standard
- the GSM standard - with GSM technology covering the developed areas and
Iridium satellite service filling in the gaps," Staiano said. "Think about this
from the standpoint of the customer: The ability to roam anywhere - in cities,
in remote areas, on the oceans or in the airways - with one phone and one
phone number and one bill at the end of the month."
Staiano, a 23-year Motorola executive who became head of Iridium in
January 1997, said that the system offers GSM providers the opportunity to
extend their footprint to the entire globe, because Iridium covers remote
areas, oceans and airways that are not accessible by cellular users.
Staiano, who referred to the GSM operators as partners, added that GSM will
provide Iridium the ability to offer its customers coverage when they are in
cities.
"What we're talking about here is the making of an ideal partnership,"
Staiano emphasized. "The bottom line is that we think the Iridium service
offering is a fabulous tool for terrestrial wireless operators to retain their
high-end, high-usage customers - and to expand market share. In return, the
GSM operators provide Iridium customers wireless coverage when they are in
urban areas."
Staiano went on to discuss in detail how Iridium is fully compatible with GSM
technology. He pointed out that both of Iridium's handset manufacturers,
U.S.-based Motorola and Japan-based Kyocera, designed their phones for
simple conversion from satellite service to terrestrial GSM service. Iridium
LLC became the world's first global satellite phone and paging company on
November 1, 1998. The network of 66-low earth orbiting satellites -- combined
with terrestrial cellular systems -- enables subscribers to communicate
virtually anywhere in the world using one phone and pager, one phone
number, and receiving one monthly bill. Customers access participating local
cellular networks when available, and the Iridium satellite network when
outside terrestrial cellular coverage. Iridium World Communications, Ltd.
(NASDAQ: IRIDF) is the public investment vehicle of Iridium LLC.
Iridium is a registered trademark and service mark of Iridium LLC 1999
--30--et/ny* nmb
CONTACT: Iridium LLC, Washington Michelle Lyle, 202/408-3818
or
Iridium News Bureau, Washington
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