Globalstar Introduces Data Services On Satellite Network; Now Customers Can Access the Internet Outside of Cellular Range.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2000 Today Vodafone Group Plc. subsidiaries Globalstar USA, Globalstar Caribbean, and Globalstar Canada, the exclusive providers of Globalstar's satellite-based mobile communications in their regions, jointly launched Globalstar Data Services with Internet Access See how to access the Internet. . This marks the first packet data service available through the Globalstar network and opens a range of possible consumer and industrial applications. Globalstar Internet Access, the first commercial application of this data service, makes it possible to use the Globalstar phone like a wireless modem A modem and antenna that transmits and receives over the air. Wireless modems support several technologies, including 802.11, Bluetooth, CDPD, DataTAC, Mobitex and Ricochet. There are wireless modems for laptops, handhelds and cellphones. when away from a traditional landline or out of cellular range. The current model Globalstar GSP-1600 phone by Qualcomm attaches via data cable to a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). ), enabling remote access to applications such as Internet sites, search engines, most consumer email and instant messaging Exchanging text messages in real time between two or more people logged into a particular instant messaging (IM) service. Instant messaging is more interactive than e-mail because messages are sent immediately, whereas e-mail messages can be queued up in a mail server for seconds or . The service runs through the user's existing software and applications with no change of e-mail address, passwords, browser or home page necessary. "Data is a significant advance in Globalstar's capability and I expect that new and creative alternative uses will develop for this technology in the future," said Dennis McSweeney, vice president and general manager for Globalstar USA. "The remote user has had few resources for communications and we intend to break that wide open." Programming modifications have been made to the gateways in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada; High River, Alberta High River is a town in southwestern Alberta, Canada with a population of 10,716. (2006). It is km ( mi) south of the city of Calgary, at the junction of Alberta Highways 2 and 23. , Canada; Clifton, Texas, United States; and the new gateway in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico Cabo Rojo (KAH-bo, ro-ho) located on the Western Costal Valley. Bordering the Caribbean Sea; and the Mona Passage, south of Mayagüez and Hormigueros; and east of Hormigueros, San Germán and Lajas spread over 18 wards and Cabo Rojo Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative . These modifications allow the gateways to recognize and transmit packetized data in addition to voice through Globalstar satellite systems using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) A method for transmitting simultaneous signals over a shared portion of the spectrum. The foremost application of CDMA is the digital cellular phone technology from QUALCOMM that operates in the 800 MHz band and 1.9 GHz PCS band. ) technology from Qualcomm. Globalstar Data Service transfers data at 9600 bits per second, a rate faster than traditional mobile satellite service providers. Internet Access data service is billed at the same rate per minute as voice service, with no additional monthly charge. Data specific billing programs will be considered as the service develops. Availability Individuals and businesses can purchase Globalstar phones and service, including data, through Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean distributors. A list of more than 700 dealer locations throughout the U.S. and Caribbean can be found by visiting our web site at: www.globalstarusa.com, or phones can be purchased directly by calling 1-877-SATPHONE (877/728-7466) or +1-925-988-4499. About Globalstar USA/Caribbean As the exclusive Globalstar service providers in the United States and the Caribbean, Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean are responsible for marketing, selling and distributing mobile satellite communications service, including billing and customer care operations, as well as building and operating the United States and Caribbean ground stations, or "gateways," which switch calls to and from the satellite to the land-based public switched telephone network. Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean are wholly owned subsidiaries Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. of Vodafone Group Plc.(NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :VOD See video-on-demand. VoD - video on demand ), which is a partner of Globalstar Limited Partnership (Nasdaq:GSTRF GSTRF Globalstar Telecommunications Ltd ), the partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufactures that built, owns and operates the satellite network. For more information visit our website at www.globalstarusa.com. About Globalstar Canada Globalstar Canada is a partnership of Canadian Satellite Communications (Cancom), Loral Space & Communications and Vodafone Group Plc. Globalstar Canada supplies Globalstar services to Canadian subscribers through earth station gateways located in Smiths Falls, Ontario Smiths Falls (2001 population 9,977) is a town in Ontario, Canada. It is in the census division for Lanark County, but is considered a separated town and does not participate in county government. and High River, Alberta. For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.ca or phone 1-877-SAT-PHONE (877/728-7466). About Vodafone Group Plc. Vodafone Group Plc., based in the United Kingdom, is the world's largest wireless communications company. Vodafone has mobile operations in 25 countries on five continents, with more than 65 million proportionate cellular customers. Vodafone, through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, is the service provider for Globalstar in a total of 15 countries across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Southern Africa and Australia. Vodafone has an approximate eight-percent holding in the Globalstar Limited Partnership. For more information on Vodafone Group Plc., visit www.vodafone.com. |
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