GlobalStar USA introduces data services

Vodafone Group subsidiaries GlobalStar USA, GlobalStar Caribbean and GlobalStar Canada jointly launched data services with Internet access this week.

Customers in these regions can now use GlobalStar handsets as a wireless modem when away from a traditional landline or out of cellular range. The GlobalStar phone attaches via a data cable to a laptop computer or personal digital assistant, enabling remote access to applications such as Internet sites, search engines, consumer e-mail and instant messaging at a 9.6 kilobit per second connection.

"We've heard from the customers we have that this is really one of the clear products they are demanding," said Dennis McSweeney, vice president and general manager with GlobalStar USA.

GlobalStar USA and its partners also are looking to extend Internet applications beyond browsing and e-mail access. During the next six months, GlobalStar USA will introduce telemetry applications using a data telemetry modem from Qualcomm, said Daniel Merediths, manager of data products with GlobalStar USA.