Globalstar Introduces Satellite Phone Service In Afghanistan And Central Asia
Phones already in use by medical and other aid organizations; Clear, reliable
service now available from Caspian Sea to Mongolia.
SAN JOSE, CA, December 20, 2001
Globalstar, the global mobile satellite service, has initiated service throughout
Central Asia, including Afghanistan, through its Russian service provider, GlobalTel.
For the first time ever, clear, CDMA-quality wireless phone service is available in
this part of the world, and it is already being used to support medical and humanitarian
programs in Afghanistan.
Globalstar service, including data service, in Central Asia was made possible by extending
service coverage from GlobalTel gateways in western and central Russia. Globalstar handheld
phones have already been provided to a number of international aid organizations who are
using them in support of emergency medical and recovery operations in Kabul and elsewhere
in the region.
"We have already received calls from users from as far away as western Mongolia, telling
us how amazed they are by the voice quality of our service," said Olof Lundberg, chairman
of Globalstar. "In some cases, they say the clarity exceeds any wireless service they have
ever experienced in those areas, including services using larger, stationary satphone
equipment."
Media organizations have also begun using Globalstar service in this region, and
international roaming capability has already been established, allowing users from
North America, Europe and other geographies to travel to Central Asia and use their
Globalstar phones immediately.
Globalstar is a partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service
providers and equipment manufacturers, including co-founders Loral Space & Communications
and Qualcomm Incorporated; Alenia; China Telecom (HK); DACOM; DaimlerChrysler Aerospace;
Elsacom; Hyundai; TE.SA.M (a France Telecom/Alcatel company); Space Systems/Loral; and
Vodafone Group Plc. For more information, visit Globalstar's website at
www.globalstar.com.
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