Globalstar
Overview
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. It was founded in 1991 with the goal of providing satellite phone and low-speed data communications to individuals and businesses in areas not served by traditional landline or cellular networks. Globalstar's primary products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems, and flexible service packages. Many land-based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service.
History
Globalstar was founded in 1991 as a consortium of several telecommunications companies, including Qualcomm, Loral Space & Communications, and Vodafone. The company's initial plan was to create a satellite-based wireless personal communications network that could provide coverage in areas of the world where ground-based networks were not available. The first Globalstar satellites were launched in 1998, and the system began commercial service in 1999.
Technology
Globalstar's system is based on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike geostationary satellites, which remain in a fixed position in the sky and require large, high-power antennas to use, LEO satellites orbit the Earth and can be accessed with small, low-power antennas. This makes Globalstar's services more accessible and affordable for individuals and small businesses.
The Globalstar network is a constellation of 48 LEO satellites. These satellites are arranged in eight planes, with six satellites in each plane. This configuration ensures that at least one satellite is always within line of sight from virtually every point on the Earth's surface.
Globalstar's satellites are designed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, a leading aerospace manufacturer. They are based on the company's EliteBus platform, which is designed for high-performance communications satellites. Each satellite is equipped with 16 transponders in the L-band range, which is used for mobile satellite services.
Services
Globalstar provides a variety of mobile satellite services, including voice, data, and messaging services. These services are available to customers in over 120 countries around the world.
Globalstar's voice services provide clear, reliable communications in areas where cellular and landline services are not available. These services are used by a wide range of customers, including emergency responders, government and military agencies, and businesses operating in remote areas.
Globalstar's data services provide low-speed data communications for a variety of applications, such as asset tracking, remote monitoring, and telemetry. These services are used by a wide range of industries, including transportation, oil and gas, and maritime.
Globalstar also provides a variety of messaging services, including text messaging, email, and GPS location services. These services are used by a wide range of customers, including outdoor enthusiasts, maritime users, and businesses operating in remote areas.
Market
Globalstar's services are used by a wide range of customers in a variety of industries. The company's primary market is individuals and businesses that need reliable communications in areas not served by traditional landline or cellular networks. This includes outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, government and military agencies, and businesses operating in remote areas.
In addition to its primary market, Globalstar also serves a variety of specialized markets. These include the maritime industry, where Globalstar's services are used for ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communications; the aviation industry, where Globalstar's services are used for aircraft communications and tracking; and the oil and gas industry, where Globalstar's services are used for remote monitoring and control of drilling operations.
Future Developments
Globalstar is continually working to improve its services and expand its market. The company is currently in the process of upgrading its satellite constellation to provide faster data speeds and improved reliability. This upgrade, known as the second-generation constellation, is expected to be completed in the near future.
In addition to upgrading its satellite constellation, Globalstar is also working on a number of other initiatives to expand its market. These include the development of new products and services, such as a satellite-based Internet service; the expansion into new markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT); and partnerships with other companies to provide integrated solutions.