Globalstar Receives FCC Approval; Starts Offering Phone Service in U.S.

San Jose, CA-based Globalstar USA has taken another step in the commercialization and rollout of its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications (satcom) network. Late last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized the satcom company to start selling satellite phone services to customers in the US.

Globalstar has launched a 48-satellite low-earth-orbit (LEO) constellation, which designed to deliver personal communication services to users throughout the world. These services include the delivery of phone, data, messaging, fax, and position location services.

The authorization was granted for 180 days while the FCC's review of the company's license application is pending. The authorization granted by the FCC is subject to an agreement reached between the company and three federal agencies, the Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice, regarding U.S. wiretap processes through Globalstar's Canadian gateways.

Globalstar plans to launch full US commercial service in early 2000. However, the company will begin offering service on a limited basis in January.

Edited by Robert Keenan