WASHINGTON-Satellite service provider Globalstar L.L.C. said it filed an application today with the Federal Communications Commission for authority to offer ancillary terrestrial service in conjunction with its mobile satellite services.
Globalstar is the second MSS operator to seek approval for ATC, which allows a portion of satellite frequencies to be used for land-based cellular communications. That capability enables mobile satellite operators to provide better coverage in urban areas, where buildings can block radio signals.
“Today’s announcement once again demonstrates our company’s commitment to the continued expansion of our network and services,” said Tony Navarra, president of Globalstar. “ATC will allow Globalstar to continue to grow the marketplace by broadening the scope of voice and data solutions we can offer our customers.”
Globalstar said it demonstrated the feasibility of the service in New York and Washington in July 2002 using a transportable base station and prototype ATC phones.
Last November, Mobile Satellite Ventures L.P. won permission from federal regulators to integrate ATC into its mobile satellite network. The FCC last month rejected mobile-phone challenges to ATC. The issue is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
