Globalstar Completes 48-Satellite Constellation

A third satellite company is a couple of steps closer to taking its stab at the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite market. Globalstar USA successfully launched four satellites on a Soyuz rocket, bringing number of its satellites now in space to 48 and completing the planned constellation. Globalstar follows in the wake of failed attempts by both Iridium and ICO Global Communications, both of which ran into financial troubles.

Globalstar's 48-satellite LEO constellation is designed to deliver personal communication services to users throughout the world. These services include the delivery of phone, data, messaging, fax, and position location services.

Globalstar's service providers already have begun limited distribution of service to selected individuals during "friendly user" trials in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Korea, South Africa, the United States, and parts of Europe. When the trial or "soft launch" period is completed in these territories, full commercial service will begin, expected early next year.

One more launch, scheduled for January 2000, will place four spare satellites in orbit, providing backup for the existing 48. They will be launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a Delta II rocket.

Globalstar USA Adds Eight Distributors
In other news, Globalstar USA (Walnut Creek, CA) has added eight distributors to its list of licensed agents and resellers. Globalstar USA, a division of UK-based Vodafone AirTouch Plc, is scheduled to launch commercial service in the first quarter of 2000. The company is currently conducting limited user trials.

Initially, Globalstar USA will target industrial vertical markets, including utilities, oil and gas, mining, maritime, government, and transportation. The company will penetrate the industrial vertical markets by aligning with those distributors that currently serve these segments. It will also provide cellular extension service for wireless phone users who regularly travel beyond wireless boundaries.

Distribution Network Additions
Leveraging the extensive network of agents and resellers that exists within Vodafone AirTouch, Globalstar USA has secured agreements with:

• AirTouch Paging—nationwide paging company that provides service to 3.5 million customers and operates in 44 of the top 50 U.S. markets.

• Day Wireless Systems—Motorola Service Station with more than 40 sales and service centers and 450 employees in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

• ICC Public Communications Inc.—offers a line of satellite telephone products and services under the name Satplus. Products include credit card satellite payphones, satellite emergency telephone systems, satellite telephone rentals, and wireless public Internet terminals.

• Manhattan Microwave—delivers service locations throughout the world. Clients include Walt Disney Pictures and AMBLIN Entertainment. Manhattan Microwave will approach the media segment of behalf of Globalstar USA.

• MVS USA—the mobile satellite communications company is making Globalstar services a key component of its Extreme Sports division. The company expects that the addition to its portfolio will allow it to expand to the general sports and recreation market and bring its mobile products to consumers.

• Norsat International—designs, engineers, and distributes products for use in the satellite wireless communications industry.

• Progressive Concepts—is an independent wireless reseller in the United States. It serves the cellular extension and rural segments, as well as New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

• Seven Seas Communications Inc.—a provider of satellite services and equipment to the fishing, yachting, mining, construction and oil and gas industries throughout the world.

The addition of these eight distributors brings the total number of Globalstar USA distributors to 13. Other distributors include AirTouch Cellular, Airstar, GMPCS Personal Communications Inc., O'Gara Satellite Systems, and The Wireless Store.