Integrating satellite communication technology with the Internet became somewhat of a theme among mobile satellite services carriers last week, following a Datacomm Research Co. report suggesting satellite voice services aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
Globalstar L.P., traditionally a satellite voice carrier, publicly tested an Internet transmission application via its network on tri-mode handsets from Qualcomm Inc. at the ITU America Show in Rio de Janeiro.
The company used a Qualcomm phone as a wireless modem, attached to a laptop computer, to conduct the test, which Globalstar touted as proof that it could provide both voice and data and Internet connectivity throughout its satellite coverage area.
“The Internet has opened up tremendous opportunities across Latin America on both a business and personal level,” said Joel Schindall, Globalstar senior vice president of systems development.
The test showed that Internet data transmitted across the Globalstar network at 9600 bps, which Globalstar said would increase in the future. The company said it will roll out packet data services commercially this summer, and will add other data services in the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, Orbcomm Global L.P. held its Global Solutions Conference last week, focusing on wireless e-business and Internet solutions. At the show, it announced it reached a distribution and service agreement with Dynasty Components Inc., under which DCI will provide wireless messaging services in Canada and the United States using the Orbcomm network.
