Phoenix Rises In Satellite Communications

Signal, Apr 2004 by Lawlor, Maryann

In the interest of security, Globalstar cannot share the names of all of the military and government organizations it services. However, Navarra reveals that the military has installed the company's equipment on mobile platforms, allowing multiple users to stay connected to the Internet while in-transit, and the firm also supports surveillance efforts.

Globalstar's products are being used to support non-military efforts as well. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Forest Service, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs are some of the organizations currently employing the company's service. The U.S. Air Force is working with the Italian air force and using the equipment for surveillance work to share information about suspicious activity.

Immediately after September 11, 2001, the National Communications System began distributing Globalstar telephones to federal agencies throughout the United States so they would have an emergency communications capability. Navarra relates that the company's equipment also has been purchased by utility companies as a back-up communications system to be used when power systems fail.

In some areas of the country, satellite communications is the only alternative to landlines. For example, in rural parts of New York state, the infrastructure for cellular service does not exist. Federal homeland security requirements call for first responder and emergency organizations to have an interoperable wireless network in place, and the governor's office currently is working on a statewide wireless network plan. However, the project will take at least five years to complete. In the meantime, hospitals in 57 counties outside New York City each received only $10,000 in federal funds to improve emergency preparedness capabilities.

The Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) decided to find a more immediate communications solution. Using a $200,000 grant, the association purchased one in-hospital telephone, one portable telephone and one laptop computer with an Internet connection through Globalstar for each of 29 hospitals in 12 counties. Jackie Talcik, senior vice president, IHA, explains that the systems act as a redundant communications system. Although the pilot project ended in December 2003, the association has paid for a year of Globalstar service in advance, so each hospital has 30 minutes of airtime each month until November 2004, she adds.

Navarra explains that corporations also could purchase Globalstar's services as an emergency communications system. However, he reveals that the company's uncertain financial situation caused large corporations to be leery about committing to such purchases. As Globalstar emerges from its financial problems, companies have been contacting the firm for information about setting up a conference bridge. Navarra shares that during an emergency these companies, as well as the military, do not want to rely on the public exchange switch network, which could fail. Globalstar is working with GlobalNet Corporation, a company that provides services from a fixed network into the United States, to address this issue.