Its North American customers are expected to be the first to use various data services, including Internet access, via a portable PC or hand-held communications device connected to a Globalstar handset. In addition, Globalstar modems are supposed to be in production, following successful trials, for special data applications such as remote monitoring and reporting. These modems are expected to be available commercially soon, with utility companies seen as a large potential market. Iridium became the world's first global satellite phone and paging company on November 1, 1998. It filed for bankruptcy protection in August last year, and terminated its service in March.
People are a little more hesitant, and some are sitting back waiting to see what happens.
It has about 22,000 subscribers worldwide. Globalstar estimates that the market for satellite-based mobile and fixed services exceeds 30 million potential subscribers. Still, Mr Evans insisted that Globalstar had tried hard to get its expansion efforts going. In January we forecast to have 26 gateways in full operation by the end of the year. We also forecast 123 countries as revenue-generating markets.