This is an increase from the first quarter when 11 gateways were in revenue service. Globalstar currently sells phones and service in 39 countries, up from 25 countries at the end of the last quarter. Calls can be made and received in an additional 36 countries served by existing gateways but where distribution channels are still being established. The company noted that certain regions of the world which it anticipates will provide attractive markets for its service, such as China, have just begun service and others, such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Caribbean are due for commercial start-up in the months ahead. May. The increased momentum was even greater in certain areas such as the United States, Australia and Canada where mobile MOUs tripled in each territory from May to June.
Mobile usage relates directly to phones used on an ongoing basis by new and existing subscribers.
Minutes of use on fixed phones also are increasing and adding revenue but this usage is currently a less reliable indicator of progress. Some fixed phones have been sold to customers while many others are used by service providers for system testing. As testing subsides so will the related MOUs. As a result, fixed MOUs as a measure of growth is somewhat erratic. Advanced testing of Globalstar's data capability is underway at Globalstar USA's gateway in Clifton, Texas.