On February 22, 2002 CJSC GlobalTel released results of its operations in 2001.
The number of subscribers in the previous increased 10 fold and by the end of 2001
reached 3,800. (As of February 22, 2002 the number of subscribers exceeds 4,000). 92%
of GlobalTel subscribers are corporate clients who use the satellite communications
services for their business needs.
In 2001 GlobalTel subscribers made more than 1,500,000 calls through the Globalstar system.
Monthly traffic growth in 2001 averaged 25%.
In 2001 the coverage area of Globalstar services was substantially expanded. Coverage
in Russia was extended to 74╟ North, while service in the Pacific Ocean was extended to
20╟ North Latitude and 180╟ East Longitude. This extended service zone is fully compliant
with the requirements for affordable high-quality communications in the Russian maritime
industry. GlobalTel has already completed certification of the GSP-2800M fixed UT
manufactured by Qualcomm in the Russian River Register, and has commenced equipment
certification procedures in the Maritime Register.
Globalstar mobile satellite service has also been made available in Central Asia, the
Caucuses, Mongolia, Northern Japan, and Afghanistan, where Globalstar phones are already
in use by medical and other humanitarian aid organizations.
In 2001 asynchronous data service with 9.6 kb/sec throughput was introduced. Four and eight
channel sample data transmission terminals were also developed, which provide data
communications of 32 and 64 kb/sec respectively. In August 2001, GlobalTel commenced
ongoing testing of packet data service. GlobalTel expects to begin providing full commercial
packet data services from April 2002.
Data communications may be employed for monitoring fixed assets located in remote areas,
for creating process control systems (SCADA), and control and dispatching systems for
various vehicle types. GlobalTel recently began offering Qualcomm-manufactured GSP-1620
satellite modems for use in process control and other systems.
In 2001 GlobalTel, jointly with various Russian partners, developed a number of new products,
which substantially broaden the possibilities of Globalstar satellite communications. The
new products include:
- Heating appliance for fixed user terminals which expands the operational temperature
range to -70 С╟.
- Solar batteries and metal-and-air power sources for power supply of satellite user
terminals in the absence of electricity power.
- In the nearest future delivery of Pelican portable user terminals will be begin. The
Pelican is a compact set in shock-resistant and dust- and moisture-protective case, which
includes a DECT phone or wireless set. The latter allows making calls using a wireless
telephone at a distance from the base station, including indoors.
- Mobile kit with aviation antenna for installation on mobile assets.
In 2001, GlobalTel initiated commercial roaming with practically all Russian national
coordinating GSM cellular operators and international Globalstar service operators.
At present, GlobalTel subscribers can use Globalstar services in more than 70 countries.
In addition, Russian national AMPS operators connect a large number of tri-mode Globalstar
phones to their networks, ensuring globally extended serviced area to AMPS
subscribers.
Globalstar L.P. financial restructuring
Globalstar L.P.'s financial restructuring is progressing positively and in accordance with
the plan announced in November 2001. On February 15, 2002 Globalstar L.P. announced that
it had filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in the US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
On February 25, 2002 Globalstar L.P. announced that the US Bankruptcy Court had approved
the Chapter 11 filing and the preliminary plan outlined in the filing. This allows
Globalstar L.P. to continue the normal course of operations, which means, that with the
support of the Globalstar Service Providers (inclusive of GlobalTel), the telecommunications
services will continue uninterrupted and without any decrease in service quality and
coverage area.
Globalstar L.P. will continue its work on finalizing and implementing its new business
plan and the company expects to file a complete plan of restructuring with the US
Bankruptcy Court in the coming weeks. Additional information on Globalstar L.P.'s
restructuring plan and new business model can be found on Globalstar L.P.'s press releases
from February 15 and February 25, 2002.
GlobalTel is an independent owner and operator of the Russian segment of the Globalstar
system. GlobalTel reassures all its customers, dealers, and partners that the restructuring
process will in no way affect the quality of services and operations of the Russian segment
of the Globalstar system and that GlobalTel will continue to develop new products and
services as an ongoing commercial entity.
CJSC GlobalTel is the exclusive service provider of the Globalstar global mobile satellite
communications system in Russia. The founders of GlobalTel are OJSC Rostelecom and
Globalstar L.P. In May 1997 Globalstar L.P. and GlobalTel signed an agreement, which
granted GlobalTel the exclusive rights to provide Globalstar services on the territory
of the Russian Federation. Globalstar services have been provided in Russia since
October 2000.
Press-service of CJSC GlobalTel
Customer-Care Center: (095) 797-27-27
Fax: (095) 797-27-31
http://www.globaltel.ru
